‘Have no interest in writing my memoir. I have a boring life’: Huma Qureshi on penning a superhero novel

She is known for her impressive performances in movies and web series like Gangs of Wasseypur, Monica, O My Darling, Maharani, and Double XL — with which she also turned producer. Now, Huma Qureshi has added another feather to her illustrious cap by penning her debut novel. Titled Zeba: An Accidental Superhero, a fantasy fiction published by HarperCollins India, the book narrates the tale of Zeba, “a sassy superhero with the most unusual choice for a cape”. But turns out it is not something out of the blue for the actor as she admits that writing is like “second nature” to her. And, as such, her book is also a (somewhat) representation of her experiences in life — both, with people and situations.

So we decided to ask the new author in town about her experience of writing the novel, the author in her, what inspired her, the plot she chose, and why she decided to stay away from memoirs — which seem to be on almost every celebrity’s list these days. Read the edited excerpt below:

Actor, producer, and now author — you have had quite a journey. How would you describe it?

Satisfying and still raring to go! You know, as a creative person I want to be able to give wings to my aspirations. As an actor, I have inhabited worlds created by writers and directors. I used to be fascinated by their ability to create layered characters and worlds that were reflections of reality and sometimes belonged to the realm of fantasy. As a producer, I felt empowered to tell the stories that I wanted to. As a writer, I felt free to create the characters that I wanted and the worlds that I wanted to create. I let my imagination take over and do the writing — especially fantasy fiction, as it’s my favourite genre.

Writing is a different ball game altogether. Could you tell us more about the author in you? 

I have been journaling all my life. So, writing is like second nature to me. This book represents the kind of experiences I have had, and the people I have had the opportunity to meet and interact with in my life. Since I have been an avid reader as well, the writers that I have read over the years also influenced my thought process. Honestly, I always knew that I wanted to write. The book started as a 10-page pitch for a show and then culminated into a book. One should always keep at what one does. You never know the avenues that will open up.

 

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At a time when many celebrities are turning authors with memoirs, you decided to jump on the bandwagon with a superhero book. Tell us about ‘Zeba: An Accidental Superhero’ — from the conceptualisation to the final script.

I have no interest in writing my memoir. I have a boring life. I love the superhero narrative. Especially, a film like Deadpool. The book had its beginnings in a screenplay that I had started writing. But creating a series or a film which is set in a world of fantasy would mean big budgets. When Covid hit, I revisited the concept and that’s how the book was born. As an actor, I understand character building, their motives for doing what they do, and the contradictions within them. My book also reflects that. The narratives are from the perspectives of the various characters in my book. The world-building is something that I learned from the writers and directors whom I have worked with over the years.​

​What were your motivation and inspiration when it came to writing the book?

I turned producer because I wanted to make films that told the stories that I wanted to. Similarly, writing a book was an empowering feeling. I was inspired by the authors that I have read over the years, the directors and writers I have worked with, and the actors whom I have shared screen space with. I have borrowed a bit from my mom’s ancestry to add layers to the world that I have created in the book. It’s multiple things.

Zeba narrates the story of a “sassy superhero”.

You have used basic, conversational English to narrate your story. But there is also the use of certain expletives (rather liberally). What was the idea behind the same? Did your editors cut down on the swear words?

I think, I wanted the book to be accessible and an entertaining read. At the same time, I wanted to tell a story that people could relate to. The use of expletives is part of the characterisation and not to create shock value. The editors didn’t cut down on anything. They understood the realm within which the characters operated and how it was apt.
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How has the response to your book been?

It’s been overwhelming. The love and appreciation that I have received has been encouraging and wonderful. Most people are just shocked and happy how I found the physical time to write it, given my hectic schedule.

 

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Now that you are one, what would you say is the most challenging thing about being an author?

To be able to keep telling stories that resonate with people. And also, sitting down to write given my crazy schedule between shoot and work commitments.

​Also, how much of you have you put in the many characters you have introduced to the readers. Which do you most identify with?

There is a lot of me in the book. I am each and everyone in the book.

 

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You have also presented certain historical events like the Nepal royal family massacre, with a tweak (and an opinion). Does the book also serve as a platform for you to share your views on political and historical events with your readers?

My novel is set in a world of fantasy. As a reader you can allude multiple meanings to the various aspects of the book and the characters. The idea was to write an engaging superhero novel and create a world of fiction which keeps readers coming back for more.

​​Do you plan on converting the book into a film or series? In your opinion, which actor will be the best fit to play Zeba (you can’t name yourself!)

Haha. Just me :-) This is the Rocky to my Stallion.

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