Huma, you are a hugely celebrated actress in your native India but your role in the historical drama Viceroy’s House is your first on an International level. How do the two film world’s compare?
As an actor I always gravitate towards characters and scripts which have something to say; a comment on society, a unique perspective. My work in India is testimony to that idea. I’m glad that my journey in the West has started off with a film like Viceroy’s House which offers a unique perspective on the lives of these people to whom history was exceedingly unfair. Of course in terms of working styles both the worlds are very different but I think the gap is fast closing.

In Viceroy’s House you take on a key role opposite of Gillian Anderson. How was it to work with everyone’s favourite Scully?
Unfortunately we didn’t share many scenes together…it would have be nice to have Alia and Mrs Mountbatten have a sit down 😉 but she is a very exceptional artist with a deep sense of commitment to her work and she adds a lot of strength and depth to the characters she chooses to do.

What about the script appealed to you when you first read it and how important and relevant did you feel it was to re-tell this part of history?
Very important. I am very vocal about the world in which we are living, and the deep divide racially, ethically and everything that keeps dividing us all as people. Viceroy’s House is a social comment on the migration crisis (man made) that displaced an estimated 11 million people and led to the death of over 2 million people. The script promised to tell a compelling human story about this dreadful choice that tore apart families and led to so much destruction

Are you looking to do more films on an International scale and in Hollywood? If you got to choose, who would you like to play alongside?
I would definitely love to do more projects internationally. I’d like to work with them all 🙂

Is there any role you haven’t played but really want to?
Ahhhh !! Play Bond or the Bond Girl

Would you call yourself a feminist and if yes, what does feminism mean to you?
I am, yes. I think everyone should be. It means a level playing field, where rights and opportunities are the same for everyone, that’s all. 

You have a huge following on Instagram and surely a role model for many young girls. In a time when more skin means more likes, how do you remain true to your own values and what would you say your young fans that feel the pressure of the unrealistic beauty ideal’s that they are exposed to online?
Well it’s crazy isn’t it? Skin means more likes and followers, and more followers is all that we want isn’t it? It’s a disorder and we should protect ourselves from it. Personally, I just try to keep a reality check and stay natural. It’s important for the younger generations to understand the importance of this, being true to yourself and knowing that there is more to life than social media.

You have just started a 28 day detox on Instagram where your fans can follow your health journey. Why did you decide to share this online and has it helped keeping you on track?
I decided to share my detox story as I’ve seen so many people around me chasing an unrealistic ideal of beauty and using all means necessary to get there. I’ve always believed in good health and positivity; a holistic life balanced with food to nourish your body and exercise, for a toned supple body, and avoiding fads and supplements that strip you of your health and well-being.

Interview by Dena Tahmasebi
Photography by Andrea Vecchiato
Styling by Sarah Kate Byrne
Make up by Nathalie Eleni
Hair by Narad Kutowaroo