Actress Bhumi Pednekar has carved out a unique niche for herself in Bollywood with her powerful portrayals of strong, small-town women in films that tackle themes of social change. Since her debut in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, where she played a headstrong woman from a small town, Pednekar has continued to choose roles that reflect the diverse experiences of women across India. Speaking at the News18 SheShakti 2024 event, Bhumi addressed the idea of being stereotyped for such roles and shared her thoughts on what drives her film choices.
The actress confidently responded to the perception of being typecast, stating, “I want to be the queen of heartland cinema. I have worked very hard to earn that, and mujhe toh mere desh ki kahaniyan bolni hai (I want to tell the stories of my country). I want to represent every woman in that spectrum, from every walk of life and every strata of society.” For Bhumi, being stereotyped in films that highlight social issues is not a limitation but rather an opportunity. “Honestly, being stereotyped as far as my films are concerned is a boon.”
While Bhumi embraces this aspect of her career, she remains eager to evolve as an actor. “I don’t want to stereotype myself as an artist. I want to constantly be evolving, and I’ve been fortunate in the last couple of years to work with filmmakers who challenge me. But I enjoy those stories with simplicity, where we touch on basic needs and problems — that’s where I feel I flourish the most as an actor.”
When it comes to choosing films with strong social themes, Bhumi credits her debut, Dum Laga Ke Haisha, for shaping her career and perspective. “That film charted my way forward. After doing it, I realized how powerful cinema can be. The reaction I received from audiences, especially from women who had never seen themselves represented on screen, was overwhelming.”
Bhumi, who is passionate about using cinema to make a difference, shared that her belief in social impact drives her choices. “I truly believe in working for the betterment of society. I think I attract these kinds of films, and filmmakers think of me when there’s a story with a message of change or reform. I don’t want to shout that my films are meant to create social impact, but that’s the kind of cinema I love and will continue to do. It’s also the need of the hour because cinema is very powerful, and we have to use it in the right way.”
Indian women are making an indelible mark on global narratives with their extraordinary achievements, showcasing a powerful blend of passion, determination, and resilience. This wave of female empowerment took center stage at the News18 SheShakti 2024 event, held on September 16, where trailblazing women from diverse fields were honored for breaking barriers and raising India’s profile on the global stage. The event celebrated these pioneering women who continue to inspire and lead by example, highlighting the growing influence of Indian women worldwide.
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