A Gun Hidden in a Red Umbrella: Huma Qureshi's Deaf-Mute Hitwoman Is Bollywood's Most Dangerous New Character

Ananya soch. Hindi cinema has seen countless films built around crime, mystery and thrill, but stories centred on a deaf-mute woman working as a professional assassin are extremely rare. That's precisely why actress Huma Qureshi's upcoming film "Baby Do Die Do" has been grabbing attention ever since its announcement, with the teaser and first look further fuelling curiosity among audiences and critics alike.

Speaking to the media in Jaipur, Huma shared her experience of working on the project, revealing that her association with the film went beyond acting — she was also involved as a producer. "As a producer, I always asked myself whether this film was saying something new, and as an actor, I asked whether Baby's story felt real and believable. Fortunately, the answer to both questions was the same," she said. She added that she did not want to simply retell a conventional story through a female character, and as an actor, wanted to present Baby not as a symbol or an idea, but as a living, breathing human being. According to her, the producer and the actor within her were in constant dialogue throughout the shoot, and whenever either side wasn't satisfied, they didn't hesitate to reshoot scenes.

Huma said the biggest draw of "Baby Do Die Do" is its central character — one Indian audiences have never seen on screen before. Baby Karmarkar is a desi hitwoman who is fearless, flawed, completely unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. The film is set in the harsh, unforgiving underbelly of Mumbai, where danger lurks at every corner and loyalties offer no guarantee of safety.

She described the film as more than just a crime thriller, calling it a gripping blend of action, suspense and dark humour. The contradiction of Baby being as dangerous as she is human, Huma said, is what makes the character truly special — and playing her was both a challenging and exhilarating experience.

Huma also praised director Nachiket Samant for meticulously crafting the film's world, and called working alongside her brother and actor-producer Sikandar Kher a memorable experience. Produced under Saleem Siblings and Pune 04, the film is slated to release in cinemas on July 3, 2026. The film also features Sikandar Kher, Chunky Pandey, Rachit Singh, Marudha Shekhawat, Vidya Malvade, Arun Kushwah and Himanshu Malik in significant roles.

The film's most intriguing feature is its symbolic weapon — Baby always carries a red umbrella, which at first glance appears ordinary but conceals a hidden gun, making it both her identity and her deadliest weapon.

During the event, a massive cutout of "Baby Do Die Do" was unveiled by Huma Qureshi at World Trade Park, with a large turnout of media and fans present.