Young Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar is one of the most sought after actresses today due to her brilliant acting skills. In a very short span of time she has treated audiences to some brilliant work in films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Sonchiriya, Lust Stories, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Saand Ki Aankh, Pati Patni Aur Woh, among others. Bhumi is credited with taking the correct decisions to portray women better on screen and the actress thanks yesteryears phenomenal leading ladies for ushering in the change for heroines on screen.

She says, “Through all the eras of cinema, there have always been films that have stood out for progressive portrayal of women. Even in the 90s, cause I am a 90s kid, be it Rangeela, DDLJ, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai – there were movies which had women play strong characters. So, luckily a massive change had already started before I became an actress and it definitely helped me. Jaya ma’am, Shabana ma’am, Smita ma’am, Sridevi ma’am, Hema ma’am, Rekha ma’am – they have all done some wholesome cinema and contributed greatly towards how women were portrayed on screen.”

Bhumi feels today audience don’t just look at a heroine to add glamour on screen. She says, “As a female actor, I am not just expected to be in a film just to add glamour or to be in a song or to be an object of admiration. There is a lot more that I am contributing to a film today. I feel women today are at a much better place and in a much better position to command respect for their craft.”

The actress says today audiences celebrate versatility and she is really happy about this progression in society. She says, “If you look at Kareena Kapoor, she has done a Chameli and a Fevicol Se, if you look at the choices of actresses today, you will see that everyone is being so different and diverse and that’s just amazing. Today, people expect something from an actress like me and that’s my brand of cinema, my credibility and I’m grateful for the responsibility that audiences have placed on me.”

Young Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar has garnered tremendous acclaim through her choice of cinema and progressive roles. She admits that she seeks out films and characters that looks to leave audiences with a message. In her five year cinematic journey, Bhumi has emerged as one of the most exciting actresses of Bollywood and has entertained us with breath-taking performances in films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Saand Ki Aankh, Sonchiriya, Pati, Patni Aur Woh and Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitaare. All of these films have sparked a conversation about society.

“I think my films should entertain people but at the same time it does seek to leave audiences with a thought that will hopefully change their thinking for the better. Most of my films have had the heavy social messaging but even if you think of a film like Pati Patni Aur Woh, which was an out and out entertainer, when you look at that film, you know the film clearly tells you that you don’t have to succumb to societal pressures of marriage. Staying in the marriage is as much a woman’s choice too,” she says.

Bhumi says when she picks her films, she ensures that the messaging is never preachy to audiences because at the end of the day, a film has to entertain. “Every film has a certain set of audiences and for me, a film has to entertain its core audience. If it fails to do so, then it doesn’t achieve its purpose. All my films have reached to its set of audience who have loved what we have tried to say about life, society and women empowerment. That too me is very gratifying,” the talented actress says.

“There is no formula to say this film will work and that won’t. It’s all a gamble, every film is but you set out to make it with the purest of intentions that it will reach out and entertain people. Thankfully for me, my films have worked, it has gotten me the recognition and helped me get more challenging and creatively satiating roles,” she adds.

Bhumi will be seen next in Durgavati that is set to release next month.