Bhumi Pednekar Discusses Her Love for Playing Distant Characters

During a session at the India Today Conclave 2025, Bhumi expressed her longing for stories that represent various parts of India. She believes these narratives allow her true artistry to shine through.

“As an actor, I miss heartland cinema. My heart is there, and it’s evident when I engage in roles far from my experience. Each challenge, like adopting a new dialect or dealing with rural shooting conditions, enriches my understanding of life,” she shared.

Despite her desire for heartland stories, Bhumi is keen to avoid being confined to any specific type of role. “While I enjoyed playing a character closer to my own life in ‘The Royals,’ my goal is not to be pigeonholed. I want the freedom to explore various roles,” she noted.

Beginning her journey in the industry as an assistant casting director, Bhumi made her acting debut in “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” in 2015. Since then, she has starred in films that often reflect small-town narratives, including “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha” and “Bala.”

Having spent a decade in Bollywood, Bhumi has consistently sought out challenging roles. “I started with big dreams, hoping to be a prominent figure in Hindi cinema. Initially, I craved recognition, but I’ve now shifted towards seeking meaningful experiences and impacts through my work,” she stated.

She added, “In my ten-year career, I have continuously pushed my boundaries and embraced change, ensuring that I don’t become stagnant.” She envisions a future focused on high-quality projects rather than sheer volume.

“Currently, I find myself working excessively—20 to 22 hours a day. While I thrive under pressure, my focus has transitioned to quality over quantity. It’s less about how many films I make and more about the integrity of each project I undertake,” Bhumi concluded.