Bhumi Pednekar Reflects on Transformative Break After Facing Criticism for 'The Royals'
In a candid revelation, Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar has shared details about a deeply introspective period in her life and career that followed the release of Netflix India's series 'The Royals'. The acclaimed performer disclosed that she took an extensive pause of nearly 10 months after encountering criticism for the show, deliberately stepping back to recalibrate her artistic journey.
A Strategic Hiatus for Creative Renewal
Reflecting on her decision to take this significant break, Bhumi emphasized that she harbors no regrets about her past work. "No, actually I don't have second thoughts about any work I've done. I've loved everything I've done in my life. I loved 'The Royals' as well. I really enjoyed the show," she shared in an exclusive conversation with SCREEN.
Explaining the rationale behind her hiatus, the actor elaborated, "I've done 25 films and shows so far. I want to improve as a performer, as an artist, my skill set." Bhumi admitted to feeling emotionally and creatively exhausted, stating, "I felt depleted as an actor. That's why it was important for me to step back, go do workshops, study, read, experience life, travel, and get in touch with the human side of me."
Return with Renewed Projects and Perspective
Since her hiatus, Bhumi has completed two significant projects:
- Prime Video India's crime thriller 'Daldal'
- Danish Aslam's romantic drama 'Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum', where she stars opposite Imran Khan
As she prepares for a courtroom drama scheduled for release this March, Bhumi expresses feeling creatively renewed and revitalized.
'Daldal' as a Turning Point in Healing Journey
Bhumi identified her performance in 'Daldal' as a crucial turning point in her healing process. "Hundred percent. I've just become kinder to myself. I'd forgotten that," she revealed, adding that working on the show played an instrumental role in her recovery. "Doing 'Daldal' was a healing for me."
The actor also spoke about the importance of emotional safety for artists, explaining, "There are people around you who have faith in you and form a really strong safety net. Now, more than ever, I needed that. If there's any great work that comes, it also comes from that place of being unsure."
Personal Transformation and Identity Evolution
Another significant development in Bhumi's journey has been the addition of her father's name to her professional identity. For the first time, she has been credited as Bhumi Satish Pednekar.
"Yes. I wanted my dad's name to be there because it just felt like the right time," she said, describing it as a deeply personal decision. "It was a process of shedding everything... somewhere a part of my healing."
She added that the time away from film sets allowed her to process personal loss more fully. "I didn't have a lot of time to deal with whatever happened with my father. I got all that time now in the past few months."
Finding Comfort in Familiar Collaborations
Bhumi shared that working on 'Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum' opposite Imran Khan provided emotional comfort during her return to acting. Admitting to being a longtime admirer, she described the experience as healing. "I had a huge crush on him," she confessed, noting that returning to set with familiar energy helped restore her passion for the craft.
About 'Daldal'
Directed by Amrit Raj Gupta and produced by Vikram Malhotra and Suresh Triveni, the series is based on Vish Dhamija's best-selling book 'Bhendi Bazaar'. Daldal stars Bhumi Satish Pednekar as DCP Rita Ferreira, alongside Samara Tijori and Aditya Rawal in leading roles. The series is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
Bhumi Pednekar's journey through criticism, healing, and creative renewal offers a compelling narrative about resilience in the entertainment industry, demonstrating how strategic pauses can lead to artistic growth and personal transformation.
