‘I search for extraordinary stories of extraordinary women!’ : says Bhumi Pednekar, who within a span of just a few years, has established herself as one of the finest actresses of Bollywood

An overweight girl in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a woman who stands up for personal hygiene in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, a small-town girl battling a personal crisis in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, a domestic help who explores desire in Lust Stories, a dark-skinned girl fighting for inclusivity in Bala, young actress Bhumi Pednekar has been experimental, unorthodox and bold in her career choices. And she has won the hearts of critics and audience!

The Bollywood star says, “I search for extraordinary stories of extraordinary women! I think that really guides my film choices. Right from my debut, I have tried to bring to life stories of powerful, strong, independent women who have a voice and they want to be heard by society. Cinema can spark conversations and all my films, in their own, unique way, have been about achieving parity.”

The versatile talent has shown that she isn’t afraid to explore roles and diverse genres because she wants to start a positive conversation about being a woman in India. The actress has also tasted success with her choices and, thus, established herself as a talent producers would want to put their money on.

“I’m proud of my body of work and I know I will constantly pick projects that hit home for me. Such subjects are extremely close to my heart because I do feel I have a responsibility to portray women differently on screen. Thankfully, I have been lucky enough to find these projects and fortunate that the film-makers have decided that they could channelise these really special on-screen women characters through me,” says Bhumi.