Actor Bhumi Pednekkar strongly believes in having an opinion on the politics of one’s country, especially when one occupies a public platform. In a conversation with mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, the actor opened up about her evolving political awareness, the responsibility that comes with being a public figure, and why issues like violence against women deserve far greater urgency than verdicts on stray dogs. Bhumi Pednekkar on politics When asked whether she is political, the actress said, “I think I went through a phase where I was very apolitical. But then I realised that we are a beautiful democracy, and you need to have an opinion. You need to have a stand.” She added that the responsibility is even greater when one is in the public eye. “After many years, I have tried to form some sort of an understanding of where I stand in the spectrum,” she said. Bhumi feels she has consistently used her platform through both films and social media to put across her viewpoints. “I think my films create enough noise. I’ve always used my platform to do so. I truly want to leave behind a set of movies that can be watched time and again,” she shared. Bhumi on stray dogs verdict She added, “I do use my social media platforms to express my opinion, especially about things that are very close to me around the environment, animals, and dogs. I’m very actively part of the conversation around the judgement about picking up stray dogs.” Sharing her thoughts on the recent court verdict on removing stray dogs from the streets of Delhi, Pednekar stressed, “I have adopted quite a few, and I just don’t understand this. How is this the only solution? Especially in our country, when there are so many other issues that we are dealing with. How about picking up rapists from the road? Why don’t we start there? That is a very big problem in our country.” She further highlighted the alarming state of the country and the rising cases of violence against women. “In recent times, if you open the newspaper, you’ll always see an act of sexual violence against a woman. From a two-month-old child to an 80-year-old woman, nobody is safe. I feel like we have a lot of core issues that we need to deal with first before passing such impactful judgements on stray dogs,” she concluded.
12 February,2026 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAs conversations around artificial intelligence continue to dominate creative industries, actor Bhumi Pednekkar offers a thoughtful perspective on how technology can coexist with creativity. Rather than resisting the inevitability of AI, Bhumi believes in engaging with it consciously as a tool to enhance one’s craft. Bhumi Pednekkar on embracing AI Speaking on mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Bhumi shared how she has been using AI while working on her on-screen characters. The actress revealed that the technology has learnt her patterns and ways of thinking. For Bhumi, the realisation was simple: “The machine knows all of us. This is inevitable. I’d rather use it for productive things in my life.” That decision led her to embrace AI in practical, time-saving ways. From drafting emails to handling routine tasks, the actor admits the technology has streamlined her workflow, especially as she balances acting with her entrepreneurial ambitions. “It’s really got a lot of useless, time-wasting, clerical things out of my life because I’ve also started my entrepreneurial journey,” she said. Her curiosity about AI, however, isn’t recent. Bhumi recalled attending an intensive course in Boston that focused entirely on artificial intelligence and its rapid evolution. “It’s evolving every day,” she noted, adding that the experience pushed her to think critically about its potential. “If I do have a disruptive tool handy, easily available to us, something that’s completely democratised society in many, many ways, then how is it that I can use it for my benefit?” Bhumi on using AI for acting Despite embracing the technology, Bhumi draws a firm line when it comes to creative ownership. Reflecting on her process during Daldal, she made it clear that scripts are off-limits. “I would never put the script into the machine because I feel like that’s just not okay. That’s going to be available for a lot of people to access because you don’t have control over that.” Instead, Bhumi uses AI carefully and selectively. Her process involves independently building character notes, motivations, and backstories before turning to technology for additional perspective. “My general process would be where I would make notes about what the character’s past is and why that character is taking the kind of decisions it’s taking, especially for a show like Daldal, which is so complex and complicated.” What emerges, she said, is a layered exchange between technology and lived experience. “Then the machine gives you a perspective, which also kind of goes into my personal traumas, which it has probably somewhere recognised.” Ultimately, the choice remains hers. “It’s my choice how much of my personal trauma I want to put into this character.”
12 February,2026 01:05 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentFor her first film, Bhumi Pednekkar increased her weight dramatically, a choice that was rare and uncommon for a debutant leading actress. But for Bhumi, transformation has never been just a creative decision; it has been a survival strategy. Looking back at the last few years of her career, the actor admits that constant physical and emotional reinvention came at a cost. “I think I went through so many transformations that in the past few years, I kind of forgot who I actually am. How do I look? Who is this girl?” she reflects in a conversation on mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist. Bhumi on criticism around Bala In her decade-long journey, Bhumi says she has undergone drastic physical changes for her roles. “For me, the only way to survive the industry was that I needed to go through a physical transformation because no other girl was doing that,” she says. From playing a 70-year-old woman to starring in Bala, a film that confronted colour bias in Indian society, Bhumi found herself constantly shape-shifting to tell stories that mattered to her. Addressing the criticism around her being darkened instead of casting a dark-skinned actor in Bala, the actress, who is a former casting agent, says she agrees with the criticism. She admits that if she were making the film today, she would have cast a dark-skinned actor, but as an actor, she saw it as an opportunity to explore her craft. “By the end of it, it is the director’s choice. And they won’t recast you, so why would you say no?” she asks candidly. For Bhumi, saying yes was also about creating space. “Do I not want to create opportunities? I do,” she says, adding that she hopes to foster such opportunities herself when she steps into production someday. Bhumi on turning down films However, reinvention comes with difficult trade-offs. “There are already only so many opportunities that come your way. How many are you going to let go of?” she asks. Bhumi admits she has already turned down several projects, including big-budget films. “There’s enough work that I’ve said no to. Films where the budgets were around Rs 300–350 crore. But I did not align with what I was doing in those films.” She added that one also has to be practical and think about career progression. “I have to run my house, and not just run my house, I want my career to move on,” she says honestly. For Bhumi Pednekkar, the journey continues to be a constant balancing act between integrity, ambition, and survival.
12 February,2026 12:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhumi Pednekkar recently appeared on the latest episode of Sit With Hitlist, and she had some interesting things to share from her life. She got candid about getting thrown out of film school for low attendance, paying her student loan from a Rs 7,000 starting salary, which she received from Yash Raj Films when she joined their casting team and much more. Here’s what she shared… Bhumi Pednekkar reveals her first paycheque Interestingly, Bhumi started her career as a casting director with Yash Raj Films. Recalling her first paycheque, she shares, “Getting a monthly salary of Rs 7,000 rupees when I started, for me was a lot of money. It's a blessing.” When asked what her last salary at YRF was, she revealed, “I think it was a lakh and fifty.” Talking about the job and her condition back then, she shares, “YRF happened to me at a time when I needed grounding and that's why that seven thousand rupees felt like seventy crores. I needed those seven thousand rupees to survive because I wasn't taking any money from home. My father was unwell, there was a lot going on at home, and I just felt like you don't want to add to it.” She reflected back on times she repaid her student loan of Rs 13 lakh, saying, “I had the student loan on me, it was a lot of money. It was 13 lakhs. Rs 4000 would go as my EMI, and the rest would be for my rickshaw, sev poori. I was a teenager, I was a 17-year-old, who could live on Rs 100 a day. I had rich friends, so they took care of me. They were really kind.” Bhumi recalls being thrown out of film school and bagging a job with YRF She reveals, “I was thrown out of film school, Whistling Woods, because my attendance was very poor.” Further sharing how she landed the YRF job, Bhumi recalls, “A friend of mine was the chief AD on Kurbaan and he told me YRF is starting a department, a casting department, because there were no casting directors then. Abhimanyu Ray was literally one of the first few casting directors. YRF was the first large production house or studio that dedicated a department to casting.” Recalling her interview, she shares, “I went and I had a resume that only had likeI had done my A-levels and studying simultaneously but thrown out of film school because of lack of attendance. So that doesn't say a lot about my great personality or my work ethic. I went in for this interview, and I clearly did not impress Abhimanyu sir at all and I did not get the job.” “Then two months after that interview, I got a call from Abhimanyu sir's assistant, and he said, ‘You are needed, you come. Two of the women we had hired have decided that they want to go to America and study. We need you.’ And that's how I landed the job,” she recalls.
12 February,2026 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBefore stepping into the spotlight, Bhumi Pednekkar quietly honed her craft behind the camera as a casting director at Yash Raj Films. Working closely with the studio, she witnessed and evaluated auditions of some of the industry’s biggest stars, which shaped her nuanced approach to acting. In a recent conversation on mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, the actress opened up about Ranveer Singh, Vicky Kaushal, and other actors auditioning, describing it as a surreal experience. Bhumi Pednekkar on auditioning Ranveer Singh Recalling her formative years at Yash Raj Films, Bhumi Pednekar opened up about working closely with the casting team and being directly involved in shaping debut performances, including that of Ranveer Singh. She stated, “My experience there was incredible. It was like a corporate job infused with a lot of creativity, and I had an absolute blast. I was an integral part of Ranveer’s casting process. If you see his audition BTS on YouTube, I’m the one cueing him for Band Baaja Baarat—the scene where he and Anushka fight over a colour during the wedding sequence.” Recalling her first impression of Ranveer Singh, Bhumi described his presence as instantly arresting. “I think he was just high on himself,” she said, adding that the energy in the room shifted the moment he walked in. “You’d think—he’s a newcomer coming in for an audition; where does that chutzpah come from?” She remembered him vividly in a white shirt and blue jeans, calling him unique, supremely talented, and unlike anyone she had seen before. Declaring herself a “big Ranveer Singh fan”, Bhumi praised his evolution as an actor, particularly post ’83 and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani. “I thoroughly enjoyed him in Dhurandhar—I was like, this guy can do anything. I loved him in Lootera. He’s as much a chameleon as any actor should be.” Recalling her other finds, the actress shares how she took Pankaj Tripathi, Parineeti Chopra, Vaani Kapoor, and Vicky Kaushal’s auditions. Bhumi Pednekkar on Aditya Chopra Reflecting on the most influential mentor of her career, Bhumi Pednekar spoke candidly about Aditya Chopra’s impact on her life and work. “I don't think there has been any other authoritative figure in my life apart from him. He was my first boss, and that eventually turned into a mentorship. He is a genius and a visionary—he was doing shows even before OTT came into the picture. He’s chill, he has clarity, and he’s inclusive. What keeps his genius alive is the fact that he remains disconnected. The entire YRF institution operates from a place of abundance.”
12 February,2026 12:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentPriyanka Chopra is truly a force to be reckoned with. Hailing from Bareilly, the desi girl is now ruling globally with her acting prowess. While her graceful presence leaves everyone gushing over her personality, Bhumi Pednekkar has openly confessed to being a long-time admirer. From dancing at her school function as a fan to cherishing personal encounters, the actress reveals what leaves her fawning over her. Bhumi Pednekkar on admiring Priyanka Chopra Bhumi Pednekkar opened up about her long-standing admiration for Priyanka Chopra, emphasising how inspiration can coexist with forging one’s own identity in the industry. In a recent conversation on mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, Bhumi gushed, “I have admired and loved her ever since she appeared in movies. I have always been vocal about it, but I’ve also tried to create my own identity. Even if I imbibe certain things from her, she is a great person to draw inspiration from. I’m not ashamed of it, nor am I someone who gets offended. She is truly amazing.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Priyanka (@priyankachopra) Bhumi also recalled how Priyanka paid attention when she went on to heap praise on her during the MAMI film festival. Bhumi on Priyanka being a guest at her school's annual day For those unversed, Bhumi and Priyanka’s brother Siddharth were in the same school, and during one of the annual day events, the actress was the guest of honour. The Daldal actress shared how PeeCee remembered that moment, and her persona left a lasting impact on her. “She remembered it vividly. There was this gathering in 2019, and when she met me, she was so warm. I was excited, and she said, ‘I will never forget that you stared at me at that annual day and danced for 20 minutes.’ I think when you are a star like her and create this sort of impact, it becomes a learning experience for me. I want to make sure everyone I meet remembers me in the best way possible. That’s the experience she gave me, and I was amazed.” Talking about Priyanka, the diva is all set to make her comeback in Indian cinema with SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi. Her first look as Mandakini was unveiled by the makers, and her fierce avatar stole the show. The film also stars Mahesh Babu in the lead role, with Prithviraj Sukumar playing the antagonist.
12 February,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhumi 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.
12 February,2026 12:45 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOn the occasion of late legendary actor Pran’s 106th birth anniversary, actor Jackie Shroff paid a heartfelt tribute to the iconic star. An avid social media user, Jackie took to Instagram, where he shared a video montage featuring a black-and-white picture of Pran, set to the Manna Dey song Yari Hai Imaan Mera, picturised on the late star from the 1973 film Zanjeer. For the caption, he wrote: “Pran ji (folded hands emoji)( 12 Feb 1920- 12 July 2013).” Born Pran Kishan Sikand in 1920, the actor was one of the most successful and respected actors in the history of Indian cinema; in a career spanning over six decades. He was also one of the highest-paid actors of his time. He was popular for his villain roles and was a highly regarded character actor in Bollywood from the 1940s to the 1990s. He played heroes from 1940 to 1947, negative roles from 1942 to 1991, and supporting and character roles from 1967 to 2007. The early 50s through the 1970s were the peak of Pran's career as a villain. He was the lead in Khandaan (1942), Pilpili Saheb (1954) and Halaku (1956). He gained prominence with his roles in Madhumati (1958), Half Ticket (1960), Jis Desh Mein Ganga Behti Hai (1960), Shaheed (1965), Upkar (1967), Ram Aur Shyam (1967), Aansoo Ban Gaye Phool (1960), Purab Aur Paschim (1970), Johny Mera Naam (1970), Be-Imaan (1970), Victoria No. 203 (1972), Zanjeer (1973), Majboor (1974), Amar Akbar Anthony (1977), Don (1978), Sharaabi (1984) and Duniya (1984). He was honoured with the Padma Bhushan Award in 2001. His last film, Dosh, was released in 2007. Pran died aged 93 after suffering a prolonged illness. Talking about Jackie, he will next be seen in Ahmed Khan’s upcoming comedy film titled Welcome To The Jungle. The film has a huge star cast including names such as Akshay Kumar, Jackie Shroff, Suniel Shetty, Arshad Warsi, Paresh Rawal, Raveena Tandon, Disha Patani, Lara Dutta, Jacqueline Fernandez, Shreyas Talpade, Aftab Shivdasani, Mika Singh, Mukesh Tiwari, Zakir Hussain, Yashpal Sharma, Johnny Lever, Rajpal Yadav, Krushna Abhishek, Kiku Sharda, Daler Mehndi, Tusshar Kapoor, and Sayaji Shinde. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
12 February,2026 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSBhumi Pednekkar has often spoken about the deep bond she shared with her father and the lasting influence he had on her life. In an exclusive segment on mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, the actress reflected on his political journey, revealing how he stepped away from an active career to prioritise his family soon after she was born. Bhumi Pednekkar recalls her father's early political career Opening up about his early years in public service, Bhumi said, “Dad was a very active politician. I did not see him in that phase of his life because he quit politics right about the time that I came into this world. For personal reasons, he had his own, and so I did not see him in that mould.” She added that his achievements were remarkable for someone so young. “He was also very young when he became a minister; I think he was all of 27 or 28. He was actually one of the youngest ministers in Maharashtra, but I unfortunately did not see him in service.” Despite not witnessing his political career firsthand, Bhumi recognises the dedication it must have required. “But he was an MLA, which means he would have a conscience that he would have nurtured over time. It's not easy to become an MLA, and he was one from Parel, which is a very intense constituency in Mumbai.” The actress also spoke candidly about losing her father at a relatively young age. “I also lost my father many years ago. I was a young adult, when that happened, so I have a fair, good share of memories with him. But I do vicariously kind of peep into that life of his through pictures and through colleagues of his that I meet, and I'm constantly meeting people who worked with him then. He was very, very loved.” When asked whether politics ever appealed to her as a career, Bhumi acknowledged that the spirit of service runs deep in her family. “I just feel like service and giving back, and I say it most humbly, are a very big part of who I am, my upbringing, and the values that have been passed on to us from both sides of my family.” Bhumi Pednekkar reveals how her parents met, and their love story She went on to share a touching detail about her parents’ love story. “My parents actually met at a youth congress gathering. Both my parents were activists. My mom was a journalist; she was studying journalism then, and she was a part of the youth congress in Haryana, and that's how they'd met. I just feel like it's in my blood.” Expressing her strong sense of patriotism, Bhumi added, “I love my country; I have a very big patriotic side to me. if I get an opportunity to serve it in any capacity, why not. I want to do better; I want my country to flourish.” She also believes that her professional choices reflect this intention. “I think even the movies that I do truly do come from that intention, a large part of the cinema that I resonate with or that I've been a part of kind of does come from it; it is my way of also living in a world where I truly hope that my country shines the brightest.” Through her memories, Bhumi painted a heartfelt portrait of a father whose legacy continues to shape her values, ambitions, and enduring commitment to giving back.
12 February,2026 12:43 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBhumi Pednekkar has never shied away from speaking her mind, and in a recent conversation, the actress reflected on the evolving culture of film criticism and how audiences today have become far more vocal and judgmental about movies. Sharing her candid thoughts on mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Bhumi expressed concern about the growing noise around reviews and the diminishing space for nuanced critique. “I don't know if there's a lot of critical thinking in the movies today. There's been a big shift in the way people speak of films and critique films. I feel like today everybody is a critic,” she said, pointing to the rapid transformation in how films are evaluated. Bhumi Pednekkar questions the credibility of criticism Bhumi questioned whether all opinions are rooted in a deep understanding of cinema. “I'm not sure whether many critics today come from a sound understanding of cinema. Film is a serious study, at Whistling Woods, we were taught film appreciation as a legitimate course. That grounding matters, whether you're a DOP, actor, or editor. Without it, criticism can become voyeuristic and overly personal, and I feel only a few credible voices remain.” Looking back at the early days of her career, the actress admitted that reviews once held special meaning for her. “When I started, I would wait for reviews, it was such a high for me. The reason I went through my Sonchiriya experience was that I had reviewers that I loved and critics that I loved who even loved the film.” However, she believes the industry’s focus has now shifted heavily toward opening day numbers. “Today, a film's success, the majority of it, is dependent on your Friday, and I don't even know how much of that is real anymore. You've already decided the fate of a film by its opening numbers. When did that happen? When did opening numbers matter?” Bhumi Pednekkar sheds light on harsh social media criticism Elaborating further, Bhumi said, "By critics, everybody is a critic today on the internet." She also addressed the influence of social media, noting how extreme opinions tend to dominate online conversations. The actress appeared particularly concerned about the impact this environment has on smaller films. "I think that the mid-sized and small films were always meant to be word-of-mouth films. All the films that I've done are word-of-mouth films. Rajkumar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, mine, a lot of our actors, our careers were made because of these word-of-mouth films.” Explaining how the system once worked, she added, “Which means that on a Friday, a film did a smaller number but was accepted. You gave the film an opportunity, and it grows from there. They would stay in theatres for, two weeks or three weeks, and it would do a good number, right, a good number for what that film deserves.” Today, she feels those chances are disappearing. “You don't give a film an opportunity; that's why you have good films. Laapata, for example, that maybe did not get a large number on that Friday, but you've not given that film an opportunity, and that breaks my heart.” Bhumi also spoke about the larger transition the industry is undergoing. “I feel the Hindi film industry is going through a massive transition. If I could make one wish as a member of the fraternity, it would be for us to move away from PR-fuelled narratives. It’s exhausting and often leaves little room for newer voices. Today, there’s this perception that unless a film earns big numbers, it isn’t worth watching. The internet has become the wild, wild west, it’s a crazy space to navigate.”
12 February,2026 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentShe may have no “filmy” background, but Bhumi Pednekkar has carved her own space in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. From Dum Laga Ke Haisha to Dolly Kitty Aur Woh Chamakte Sitare and Badhaai Do, the actor has showcased both talent and versatility. In a conversation on mid-day's Sit With Hitlist, the actress reveals how Shah Rukh Khan heaped praise on her for her smashing performance in her debut film. Bhumi Pednekar on SRK praising her When asked about when she felt accepted in the industry, she revealed, “My first film was widely watched and adulated, and I saw that the day it was released.” She was appreciated by none other than King Khan for her role. Calling him an individual who is just great, she said, “I met him at YRF, and he appreciated me a lot for my film, and I couldn't believe what was happening. I wasn't prepared to have an SRK experience, and he was shooting for a film there. I met him at the cafe area. He invited me, and it was incredible because of the way he makes you feel. There was a lot of love in that room and a lot of learning.” Bhumi on Shah Rukh Khan’s humble gesture She further added how the superstar woos all with his humble persona and shared, “When you meet people who are at his place, what I am seeking is learning. What impresses you is how humble he is. While he is speaking to you, there could be anybody in his periphery, but he is with you. That's respect; that's character. We have heard stories about how he receives and sees you off, and all of it is true.” Talking about whether she has ever received a letter from Amitabh Bachchan for her work, she averred, “It is a big motivation in my life, and I am waiting for that letter.” Bhumi Pednekar’s upcoming movies She will next be seen in Danish Aslam’s Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum alongside Imran Khan. The film marks the latter’s comeback on the big screen after a hiatus. Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum will reportedly arrive on the digital platform this year.
12 February,2026 12:42 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
