Huma Qureshi says Bollywood’s hyper-sexualised female assassins reflect patriarchy

Actor Huma Qureshi says her latest film Baby Do Die challenges Bollywood’s conventional portrayal of female action stars, arguing that the industry’s tendency to hyper-sexualise women assassins stems from a patriarchal mindset.

Speaking about the action thriller, in which she plays a deaf and mute contract killer, Huma said the goal was to create a heroine who looked like an ordinary woman rather than a glamorous “femme fatale.”

“The fact that she is so normal and regular looking and yet such a lethal killer is what makes it such an interesting tale,” she said, adding that Baby is someone “you could meet in a Mumbai local” without attracting attention.

The actor, who has also co-produced the film, expressed hope that Baby Do Die would encourage filmmakers to write more layered and unconventional roles for women.

Taking aim at Bollywood’s traditional depiction of female assassins, Huma said the idea that women in action films must wear revealing outfits and project overt sexuality is rooted in misogyny.

“That women have to be in these tight-fitting clothes, hyper-sexualised sort of imagery to be able to be assassins… I think it is coming from patriarchy,” she said.

Huma also highlighted that her character’s disability is portrayed as a strength rather than a limitation.

“We often think of women with disabilities as vulnerable. Here, she is a lethal hitwoman whose disability is actually her greatest asset,” she said.

Directed by Nachiket Samant, Baby Do Die released in theatres on July 3 and also stars Sikandar Kher, Chunky Panday, Seema Pahwa and Rachit Singh.

Huma will next be seen in Toxic, Geetu Mohandas’ action film starring Yash alongside Kiara Advani, Nayanthara, Rukmini Vasanth and Tara Sutaria, which is scheduled to release on August 26.