Bhumi Pednekar On Her Fitness Transformation, Most Memorable Film, And Love For Sustainability
“I don’t weigh myself. The last time I weighed myself was when I was getting a vaccine”
Bhumi Pednekar On Her Fitness Transformation, Most Memorable Film, And Love For Sustainability…
Bhumi Pednekar is a renowned Indian actor who made her debut in the critically acclaimed and commercially successful movie “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” in 2015. Known for her hard work and phenomenal physical transformation, Bhumi’s performances have been widely appreciated, earning her several awards and nominations. Throughout her career, Bhumi has taken on roles that highlight social issues and challenge societal norms.
Besides her acting prowess, Bhumi Pednekar has also made rounds online for her on-point fashion sense and her love for sustainability. Additionally, the loved actor frequently takes to her channels to speak about body positivity and the importance of self-acceptance, breaking the stereotypical norms of beauty prevalent in the industry.
With a successful career run in Bollywood and a large online following, there’s no doubt why Bhumi is one of the most popular and successful stars in the industry. Here, Bazaar Arabia’s Social Media Editor, Anahita Ghai, sits down with Bhumi and discusses everything from her fitness journey, dream co-star, and breaking beauty barriers…
Bhumi Pednekar On Her Fitness Transformation, Most Memorable Film, And Love For Sustainability
Harper’s Bazaar Arabia (HBA): Why did you decide to get into acting? Has it always been a dream?
Bhumi Pednekar (BP): Definitely a dream. I was very little when I realised that I wanted to be in front of the camera. I don’t know what triggered it or where that thought originated, but I was born in an environment where cinema was always appreciated and celebrated. And, you know, I was always borderline obsessed with glamour and beauty, and I would like to sit by my mom and watch her get ready for hours and my cousins and my aunts. I was that girl who wanted the same dress as Karishma Kapoor. So you know, I was always enamored by the idea of what actors do on screen. But as I grew older, I was attracted to the craft of it a lot more. Yeah. And that’s when I kind of decided that, okay, this is the kind of actor I want to be, and these are the kind of things I want to do.
HBA: Which movie or project would you say has been the most memorable?
BP: This is so difficult, but it has to be my first film. It will always be super special and have my most memorable moments. However, apart from this, I think a movie that I thoroughly enjoyed was Saand Ki Aankh. And it’s not an answer that people actually expect out of me, but there was an ode to my grandmother. And my co-star, who I shared screenspace with Taapsee, in the film, we were playing these two sharpshooters that come from a different community and don’t have access to the kind of freedom nowadays.
HBA: Who would you say is your dream co-star?
BP: Shahrukh Khan. I’ve been a huge fan ever since I can remember. I remember when DDLJ released and that film just left such a strong mark. So to me he is the ultimate.
HBA: Would you ever consider doing a film in Hollywood?
BP: I definitely want to venture into the West. That’s for sure. Interestingly enough, I would love to do a detective drama-like role. There’s a lot of scope in that genre, and you have an opportunity to create an iconic and memorable character.
HBA: Who has been your biggest inspiration in your personal life and in the film industry?
BP: Shanoo Sharma. She’s one of the leading casting directors in our industry and is someone who I started off with and I look up to and admire. And it’s not just about my professional role but also about my personal growth. She’s a phenomenal person. I’ve been very fortunate to have had such amazing women around me. Rhea Kapoor, who’s a friend and like a producer, indeed that I love. She is so hardworking and dedicated and really is a reliable producer friend.
HBA: You had a major weight and fitness transformation, which is truly inspiring. Could you share a bit about that journey?
BP: When I started my fitness journey, I became a specific body type for a character that I was playing. Yeah. So it was important for me to kind of bounce back to myself, right? And the thing is, it took me a good five years to kind of look the way I am looking today because I did not do anything drastic. I did nothing that harmed my well-being mentally and physically. For me, that was very important because I want longevity in everything that I do. To have body positivity all the time isn’t possible, you know, I’m not going to, like, pretend to, you know, be this perfect person because I have not because I had like days where I broke down. I had days where I, you know, maybe saw stretch marks or some loose skin; I felt completely disheartened.
I was very lucky to have people around me that were always that always uplifted me. Yeah, you know it’s normal. And the reason I’m speaking about this is because any weight loss journey or body transformation journey is not easy. And it becomes extremely difficult when you start comparing yourself to somebody else. I think the five years I took were spent trying to understand that I need to be the best version of myself.
And I’m glad, but for anybody going through all physical transformation, don’t concentrate on the weighing, say, I don’t weigh myself. The last time I weighed myself was when I was getting a vaccine. You know, for me, it’s just about how I feel and look. Okay, there are days that I’m bloated, and I can feel it. I don’t want to get to know if I had like a few weeks of eating. I don’t punish myself for having a cheat day. I have to be honest, I will eat as clean as possible. Yeah, but there are days I do indulge but that’s what keeps me happy.
HBA: You have recently invested in a sustainable hotel in Goa. Why did you decide to get into that space?
BP: Sustainability is my way of life; I try my level best to have as many sustainable practices as possible. And everything related to the environment, our planet, is something I’m supremely passionate about. I think it’s essential for me to support green businesses. I mean, because those that that doesn’t only come from moral responsibility, but I also feel that’s innovative business because that is what the future holds. So it came from a place of both, you know, where I was like, Okay, if I do want to be successful as an investor, what are the next steps you’re going to be like, and you know, that I’m using my knowledge, you know, to bring impact?
HBA: You have recently also joined the MAC Cosmetics family. Could you share a bit about this and your love for beauty?
BP: So I actually I’ve been with Mac for two years now. And my love for beauty started as a child. I love beauty. I’ve not only had the chance to store a lot of it in my films, but you know, the makeup glam part of it. I don’t leave my house without wearing makeup, and I’m not ashamed to say it. I love the fact it’s therapeutic for me. I’m very good with my own makeup, actually. I do it very, very often for my events. During the pandemic, I started putting out makeup tutorials and getting ready with me type of content, and it was great. So this collaboration happened, and it’s so special and a huge honour for me. And when they wanted to name the lipstick after me, I was in awe; definitely a dream.