Huma Qureshi, currently starring in Netflix's "Delhi Crime 3," has recently opened up about her experience working on Akshay Kumar's "Jolly LLB 2," revealing her initial disappointment with how her role evolved during the editing process. In a recent interview, Qureshi reflected on her collaboration with director Subhash Kapoor on the 2017 film, a sequel in the "Jolly LLB" franchise.
Qureshi explained that while her part in "Jolly LLB 2" wasn't initially extensive, it was significantly reduced during the editing phase. "Our first collaboration was on 'Jolly LLB 2'. It was not a very big part, but during the edit, my role became even smaller," she stated. She candidly admitted her frustration at the time, recalling, "I remember being really upset about it and saying, 'I'm not doing anything in this film'".
The actress elaborated that one particular scene, which she considered a "very strong scene" and which was featured in the trailer, was ultimately cut from the final version of the film. In this scene, her character, Pushpa Pandey, confronted Akshay Kumar's character, Jagdishwar Mishra, supposedly guiding him towards the right path. Qureshi felt that the removal of this scene significantly impacted her character's arc, reducing her role to what she described as an "ornamental part". "I was very upset that I didn't really have an arc. I detest from my core playing ornamental parts, and that's what it ended up becoming," she confessed.
Despite her disappointment, Qureshi acknowledged the unpredictable nature of filmmaking and the inevitability of certain scenes being cut. "Sometimes, some of your best scenes get cut out. No one really plans it, but it happens," she said. She also mentioned that director Subhash Kapoor attempted to console her, sending her messages to reassure her that audiences were enjoying her portrayal of Pushpa Pandey. He would emphasize the positive reception of her character's traits, such as being an alcoholic, in an attempt to lift her spirits.
Meanwhile, Huma Qureshi is currently receiving praise for her performance in "Delhi Crime 3", which premiered on Netflix on November 13, 2025. In this season, she plays the lead antagonist, a trafficking ringleader, in a story inspired by the 2012 "Baby Falak" case which exposed a large human trafficking network in Delhi. Critics have lauded Qureshi's portrayal of her character, noting that she "steals the show" and commands both hate and admiration for her negotiation skills and ability to make the best of her circumstances.
Looking back, Qureshi views the "Jolly LLB 2" experience with a sense of maturity, recognizing that such editing decisions are part of the filmmaking process. She has since delivered powerful performances in projects like "Maharani," demonstrating her growth as an artist and her commitment to substantial roles.
"Jolly LLB 3" was released in theaters on September 19, 2025, featuring both Akshay Kumar and Arshad Warsi, and Huma Qureshi reprised her role. The film is now available for streaming on Netflix and Jio Hotstar.
