- By Akshay Pandey
- Thu, 06 Nov 2025 01:52 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Huma Qureshi, who portrayed Rani Bharti in the OTT series Maharani, may describe herself as an actress with limited political understanding, yet she never misses an opportunity to praise the distinct flavours of Bihar’s chutney, chokha, and dal. The mere thought of Chhath fills her with joy, bringing back memories of the tranquil greenery of Kishanganj she witnessed 21 years ago.
Huma, who advocates women empowerment, in a special conversation at Dainik Jagran's Patna office on Wednesday, gave a message to the people for the Bihar Assembly elections stating that they should come out of their homes and choose a good government.
Huma garnered accolades for her portrayal of the queen
When the actress who played Rani Bharti in Maharani, came to Patna for the first time, the state was immersed in the excitement of the festival of democracy.
Explaining the importance of voting to the people of the state, she says, "Get out of your homes. Join the festival of democracy and elect a strong government." When asked about her understanding of politics, she quickly replies, "My knowledge of this field is superficial."
I believe in common sense more than politics. I try to do things on my own.
Huma also proudly said, "Even though I may know little about Bihar, I have a spiritual connection with this state." At the age of 18, Huma, who grew up in Delhi, came to Kishanganj for a short film.
She said, "I still remember that period. I spent less time here then, but I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful people."
This fool will become the PM...
"Seeing this idiot will one day become the Prime Minister," is Huma's favourite line from the web series Maharani, which makes politics interesting in India. This line is by Patna actor Vineet Kumar. Huma says, "What a wonderful job Vineet does."
She recounts a wonderful anecdote from before the production of this web series. She says, "When it came to playing Rani Bharti in Maharani, people asked how a girl living in the glamour of Mumbai and Delhi would portray Bihar. When I came forward wearing a sari and vermillion, portraying the character of Rani Bharti, those same people said, 'This is Rani.'"
The country is limited to Bihar's litti. Huma's mouth is watered by the litti's chutney and chokha. At the mention of flavour, she praises Bihar. "I learned about the variety of dal (lentils) available in Bihar," she says.
Tears of joy came when I saw my sisters lifting the trophy
Huma isn't a big sports fan, but when Indian girls took to the field with bats, the actress spared no effort in encouraging them. Huma says, "On the day of the Women's ODI World Cup final, she left her film promotions and turned to TV."
My brother and I watched the entire competition. When our sisters lifted the trophy, we both had tears in our eyes. What the girls did was truly spine-chilling, Huma said.
Huma said, "I advocate for women's empowerment, not just for one class, but in every field in the country. There should be no difference between a girl and a boy. If a woman is educated, the entire household will be educated."