India, July 28 -- Since her debut in 2012 with Gangs of Wasseypur, actor Huma Qureshi has carved a niche for herself through the years with a number of diverse roles. As she celebrates her 39th birthday today, Huma challenges the notion that female actors suffer from limited role options in the industry. One might think that demanding roles on her own terms might come with a price, but the actor says, "I've been constantly busy, so I don't think it comes with a cost. It's a narrative often sold to young women, that only a certain kind of girl is wanted in this industry. That's not true." As she celebrates her birthday surrounded by family and friends, Huma calls the notion of formulaic films guaranteeing success a myth. "Formulas don't work, which is why many films fail," the actor muses. "But when there's something fresh, honest, and authentic, audiences lap it up," she goes on to explain. While her focus is primarily on diverse roles (like in Badlapur, 2015; Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana, 2012; and the web series Maharani), Huma admits that she enjoys playing traditional heroines, too. Ask about her opinion about masala films and the actor, who is preparing for the release of her film Bayan at the Toronto Film Festival, explains, "It's about versatility: singing, dancing, everything. I have upcoming films where I'm the quintessential heroine and there are others where the story revolves completely around me and I'm number one on the call sheet."...