Patna: As Bihar gears up for the first phase of assembly polling on Thursday, actress Huma Qureshi is in the state capital — not for campaigning, but to reconnect with the land that shaped her most iconic role yet. The Maharani star, who portrays Rani Bharti — a fictional Chief Minister of Bihar — in the political drama, visited Patna on Wednesday, speaking about her experience of filming Maharani 4 and the emotional resonance the role holds for her.
“Rani Bharti is back,” Qureshi said with a smile. “I’ve come to Bihar after a long time, and experiencing it as Rani Bharti has made this visit truly special. Rani has become such an inseparable part of my journey that being here felt like living her story beyond the screen.”
The actress, who grew up in Delhi, recalled her first visit to the state years ago at age 18 for a short film in Kishanganj. “Even though I may know little about Bihar, I have a spiritual connection with this state,” she said. “I remember that time vividly — I met such warm, inspiring people. Coming back now feels like a homecoming.”
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As Bihar prepares for polling, Qureshi urged voters to participate in the democratic process. “Come out of your homes,” she said. “Join the festival of democracy and elect a strong government.”
When asked about her understanding of politics, she laughed and admitted, “My knowledge of this field is superficial.” Yet her portrayal of Rani Bharti — a housewife-turned-Chief Minister navigating power, patriarchy, and politics — has earned her critical acclaim and strong public affection.
The actress fondly recalled an early doubt some had about her ability to play a rural political leader. “People said, how will a girl from Mumbai-Delhi’s glamour world portray Bihar?” she said. “But when I appeared in a saree and sindoor as Rani Bharti, those same people said, ‘This is the Rani.’”
Her favourite dialogue from the series, she revealed, belongs to Patna actor Vineet Kumar: “See, this simpleton will one day become the Prime Minister.” “Vineet does a wonderful job,” she added warmly.
Maharani 4, directed by Puneet Prakash and produced by Kangra Talkies Pvt. Ltd., is created by Subhash Kapoor. The ensemble cast includes Shweta Basu Prasad, Amit Sial, Vineet Kumar, Vipin Sharma, Shardul Bhardwaj, Kani Kusruti, and Pramod Pathak. The series premieres on November 7 on Sony LIV.
“Politics, emotions, and Bihar’s heart — Rani Bharti’s world is back,” Huma said, her voice brimming with pride.
