On a Unique Path

JITESH PILLAAI CHATS WITH BHUMI PEDNEKAR, WHO’S SET ON HER OWN TRAJECTORY TO SUCCESS 

What does it take to be a changeling? The ability to be invested in your craft. The ability to have empathy.The ability to feel. Bhumi Pednekar has it in spades. In her debutant turn in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, she not only  physically morphed into her character but always gave it a spiritual depth. You can see it in all her turns, be it Saand Ki Aankh, Sonchiriya or her recent turn in Badhaai Do. Bhumi gives her character in Badhaai Do truth and vulnerability. As a lesbian trapped in a lavender marriage, her portrayal is achingly nuanced and complemented with another heartbreaking performance from Rajkummar Rao. Together, they make you invest in their joy and pain. It’s more than just a lavender marriage. It’s a statement that joy is found in small clouds, in small pockets. There are no permanent solutions to pain. Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. Bhumi shows you that time and again. And because we are invested in Bhumi’s pain and joy, we have forged an empathy bond with her. She will be seen next with Akshay Kumar in Raksha Bandhan, guaranteed to manipulate your tear ducts. Which all adds up to the right time to meet Bhumi for a quick Q and A.

SINCE YOU HAVE BEEN A CASTING DIRECTOR, WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE TO STRUGGLING ACTORS?