Bhumi Pednekkar recalls meeting Shah Rukh Khan; says legendary stories about him are true

Bhumi Pednekkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Randeep Hooda

Bhumi Pednekkar has built a reputation for delivering layered and versatile performances, but beyond the screen, the actress often shares fascinating personal anecdotes that offer a glimpse into her life. In an exclusive segment on mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, Bhumi opened up about her unexpected family connection to actor Randeep Hooda, revealing that the two are distant cousins with shared roots in Haryana.

Bhumi Pednekkar talks about Randeep Hooda being her distant cousin

Speaking about the relationship with Randeep Hooda, Bhumi confirmed the long-circulated trivia with warmth and clarity. "We actually are distant; we are connected through my maternal side," she said, adding context to their familial ties. "All Hoodas belong to a certain area in Haryana, and that is how we are related to each other as my mother is Haryanvi, and my maternal family is Hooda."

Recalling her earliest memory of the actor, Bhumi shared a nostalgic story from her childhood. "I remember, one of my mamas was getting married, and I was quite young then, not even a teenager, and at that time, Monsoon Wedding had just been released. It was a big deal because he was my mama's friend, and I have a very clear memory of him at that wedding. Randeep is a great actor and what a great film."

Bhumi Pednekkar recalls meeting Shah Rukh Khan

While much of that evening of meeting Shah Rukh Khan remains hazy to her now, the impression it left was lasting. "A large part of that conversation is a blur, but he invited me, and it was incredible because of just the way he makes you feel, and there was a lot of love in that room and a lot of learning," she reflected.

Bhumi also highlighted the qualities that stood out to her the most. "When you meet people who are in places like his, what I am seeking is learning. Because what impresses you is how humble this person is. While he's speaking with you, there could be anybody in his periphery, but he is with you; that's respect, that's character."

She further noted that Khan's reputation for graciousness is well deserved. "We've obviously heard all the legendary stories about how he'll come receive you, how he'll come drop you, and all of that is true."

Bhumi even described an amusing moment of hesitation around celebrity etiquette. As she shared how she waited for Shah Rukh Khan to leave and instructed her driver not to move their car till he leaves. As she wasn't sure what was the right etiquette around SRK back then. Through these memories, Bhumi painted a portrait of admiration, not just for a talented actor but for a person whose humility left a lasting mark.