Huma Qureshi writes a heartfelt letter to her 16-yr-old self

The much-awaited Maharani 3 is out, and the audiences are loving the more confident and stronger Rani Bharati reprised by Huma Qureshi. While we celebrate the streaming of this series showcasing the undying spirit of womanhood, Huma Qureshi took to her Instagram to write a letter to her younger self in the women’s day week.

Huma’s letter to her 16-year-old self

Thank you for that day when you marched into your principal’s office in Class 11th. You were terrified but your love for the stage, burnt brighter than your fear. You had to tell them of your choice: Performing Arts over Academics, Humanities over Science. Your first fight against doubt. The start of your journey in defying expectations.

They told you you are stubborn! That your dreams were wrong! You must be like the others- okay with being put in a box and taking the ‘safe and sensible’ route.

Thank you for being so headstrong then because that stubbornness is going to take you on an incredible journey. Just hold on little Huma, your unwavering belief in yourself will take you places. I promise : )

When you came to Mumbai you didn’t know a soul yet you went each day to every audition, every meeting with the unwavering determination- They don’t know who I am when I walk in that door but I will make sure they remember me when I walk out! 

Early days are tough in a new city with only your dreams to be your guiding light. Many a nights you cry alone praying for some ray of hope. Each rejection hurts but you wake up and go back to work and just keep walking on!

Today, I am older, wiser, and maybe a little more glitter-covered, but I can tell you, that it is still possible to be ‘the simple girl’ and still dream big.

On darker days, when they rejected you for a film or didn’t give you an opportunity amid whispers of “not perfect enough”, you proved them wrong in the most glorious ways. In the future too, there will be days when they attack you and want to push you into a corner. Pay no attention, for you are the one with fire in your eyes and stories to tell. 

The women will see you. They will see themselves in the witty interviews you give and the characters you play: Real, Raw and Strong. I wonder Huma, what would you think of Rani Bharati in Maharani or Rajshri in Double XL or Monica Machado in Monica O My Darling?

I think you will like them.

For they are no damsels in distress nor sculpted heroines. They are messy, unfiltered, and powerful like you and millions of women who will watch you.

Your Rani, the firecracker leader ruling her kingdom, rewriting the rules, and rising from the ashes like a phoenix, will remind women of lifting each other up. That we don’t need anyone to save us. We are enough. We are the queens, the warriors, the writers of our own destinies! If a small-town Rani can do it, so can you. 

So, do not conform or silence your voice. Like the fierce women around us, you, too, can and will rise above the noise.

With love and pride,
The Huma who defied the odds and still shines bright.