Bhumi Pednekar Is Not An Accidental Actor

Bhumi Pednekar is not an accidental actor; it was a dream she had cherished since she was a little girl. She talks to Nikita Sawant about her craft and how it’s not just a job, but also the biggest stress buster for her.

- Nikita Sawant

She may not have numerous movies in her kitty, but the ones she does have are all successes. Starting out just four years ago with Dum Laga Ke Haisha, where she played an overweight girl marrying a school dropout, Bhumi Pednekar has, today, won people’s hearts with her relatable and real performances in consequent films. She has proven time and again that the success of a film doesn’t just depend on it featuring an all-star cast; it needs a magical story and an actor who can bring the character to life on screen. And bringing characters alive is something the actor is well-versed in. With films like Sonchiriya, Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare, and Bala lined up for release in 2019, it looks like it’s the year of Bhumi Pednekar. Over to the actor.

You worked behind the scenes on several films before becoming an actor. Did you, at the time, think you’d be in front of the camera some day?

I did many odd jobs; I did everything from casting and writing to production. Being in front of the camera was a childhood dream. But I didn’t particularly work towards becoming an actor; I was only 17 when I started working. I was passionate about my job and dedicated to what I was doing. I always knew, however, that I would become an actor some day.

What attracted you towards acting?

I can’t point to a single thing, but I’ve grown up watching Hindi films. I was exposed to all genres of cinema. I watched Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s films, and films such as Baazaar, Shree 420, Mother India, while growing up. Then it was another world with Rangeela, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, and