Bhumi Pednekar Opens Up on Personal Healing and Career Evolution in Exclusive Daldal Interview
In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, Bhumi Pednekar, along with co-stars Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori, and creators Suresh Triveni and Amrit Raj Gupta, delved into the making of the Prime Video India crime thriller series Daldal. The discussion spanned personal revelations, career reflections, and the shift from lighter roles to darker narratives.
Bhumi Pednekar's Transformative Break and Name Change
Bhumi Pednekar recently disclosed taking a 10-month hiatus following the release of Netflix India's The Royals, a show that faced criticism. Despite having completed shoots for Daldal and Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum opposite Imran Khan, she emphasized feeling rejuvenated as she prepares for a courtroom drama this March.
On her decision to step back: "I took a break because I want to improve as a performer and artist. After 25 films and shows, I felt depleted and needed to reconnect with my human side through workshops, travel, and life experiences," Bhumi shared. She highlighted that this period allowed her to become kinder to herself, viewing Daldal as a healing process amidst self-criticism.
In a poignant revelation, Bhumi confirmed her recent credit as Bhumi Satish Pednekar, explaining, "I wanted my dad's name included as part of my healing journey. It felt like the right time after processing personal losses during my break." This change symbolizes a personal restart and emotional closure for the actor.
Imran Khan's Comeback Film: A Dream Come True
Bhumi expressed excitement about working with Imran Khan in his comeback film, Adhoore Hum Adhoore Tum. "I had a huge crush on Imran Khan since Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na released. Seeing his Vogue cover reignited my admiration, and getting the script call felt surreal," she recounted. She described the project as an evolved, raw take on the rom-com genre, making it a liberating experience for her as a fan.
Cast Insights on Challenging Roles and Legacy
Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori discussed their gravitation towards complex characters in Daldal. Aditya noted, "We choose roles based on story, character, and script—it's that simple. The satisfaction from challenging parts is unmatched." Samara added, "I audition for roles that resonate with my inner self, showcasing parts I love."
Reflecting on their fathers' legacies—Paresh Rawal and Deepak Tijori—Samara emphasized resilience learned from her father's career ups and downs, while Aditya praised his parents' blue-collar work ethic. "Nepotism's biggest advantage is having an example to emulate," Aditya remarked, highlighting guidance from their families' experiences.
Creators on Genre Shifts and Industry Challenges
Suresh Triveni and Amrit Raj Gupta, known for Tumhari Sulu and Gullak respectively, addressed their move to crime thriller with Daldal. Suresh stated, "As storytellers, we avoid repetition. Jumping genres keeps us alert and alive, allowing exploration beyond typecasting." Amrit shared his passion for crime drama, citing influences like Memories of Murder and collaborative learning with Suresh.
The conversation turned to the decline of women-led films in recent years. Suresh acknowledged budget constraints affecting such projects but expressed hope for change. Bhumi urged audiences to support these films in theatres, emphasizing ongoing efforts to produce quality content.
This interview not only sheds light on Daldal's creation but also captures Bhumi Pednekar's personal and professional evolution, making it a compelling read for Bollywood enthusiasts.
