Actress Bhumi Pednekar has opened up about a transformative period in her career, sharing why she added her father’s name, Satish, to her screen name and how working with Imran Khan on a rom-com helped her reconnect with her love for acting.
Taking a Break After The Royals
After the release of Netflix India’s The Royals, Bhumi took a 10-month hiatus from acting amid criticism. She explains in an exclusive interview with SCREEN that the break was necessary to recharge, improve her craft, and reconnect with her personal life.
“I felt depleted as an actor. That’s why it was important to step back, do workshops, study, read, travel, and get in touch with the human side of me,” Bhumi said.
This period of reflection, she says, allowed her to approach her next projects with renewed energy and perspective.
Healing Through Daldal and Working with Imran Khan
Bhumi’s upcoming Prime Video India show, Daldal, marks her return to the screen. She credits the show and her co-star Imran Khan for helping her feel creatively rejuvenated.
“Doing Daldal was healing. At times, you can’t see certain things because you’re critical of yourself. But having a safety net of people who believe in you makes a huge difference,” she shared.
The actress also revealed her excitement about working with Imran Khan:
“It’s my most favourite genre, rom-com. I had a huge crush on him back when Jaane Tu… Ya Jaane Na (2008) released. And now, six months later, I got to read a script with him—it felt like a dream.”
Why She Became Bhumi Satish Pednekar
For the first time, Bhumi is credited as Bhumi Satish Pednekar.
“I wanted my dad’s name to be there because it felt like the right time. It was part of a healing process and a way to reconnect with that personal side of me,” she explained.
On Women-Led Films and Industry Shifts
Bhumi also reflected on the decline of women-led films in recent years, despite the success of titles like Tumhari Sulu (2017).
“I hope the landscape comes back. We need another superhit led by a woman. The audience will have to make it happen—they have to go to theatres,” she said.
Co-director Suresh Triveni added that the absence of mid-budget films has limited opportunities, but he remains optimistic:
“Budgets are the reason this bracket of films isn’t being made right now. But it can change with audience support and strong female-driven stories.”
Legacy and Influences
Bhumi, along with Daldal co-stars Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori, discussed learning from their parents’ film legacies. Samara reflected on her father Deepak Tijori’s resilience, while Aditya spoke about Paresh Rawal’s longevity in the industry.
“Nepotism may have its advantages, but seeing their approach to work is the real lesson. You do what the doctor does, not what the doctor says,” Aditya said.
