Bhumi Pednekar: 'I want to use every ounce of my capacity to help as many people as I can in my country'

Mumbai — Actress Bhumi Pednekar says her journey in cinema has always gone hand in hand with her larger purpose — to spark social change, uplift communities, and contribute meaningfully to her country.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, the actress stressed that her career is not just about films and glamour but also about responsibility.

“I know my work goes beyond entertainment. It’s about changing mindsets and uplifting communities, especially in my country. I want to do everything within my capacity to make sure I can help as many people as possible,” Bhumi said.

Reflecting on the recent floods in Jammu, Bhumi said the tragedy reminded her of her roots and the gratitude artists owe to their audiences. She highlighted how public figures — whether actors, singers, or performers — achieve success only because ordinary people support their work.

Known for her environmental activism, Bhumi recently participated in the Milken Institute Asia Summit 2025 in Singapore, where she underlined that her advocacy as a climate warrior is just as central to her identity as being an actress. “Yes, my bio says actress, but it also says climate warrior and advocate. That part of my work is equally important,” she told an audience of global policymakers and changemakers.

Her sense of patriotism, she revealed, comes from her parents. On August 15, she shared an emotional Instagram video featuring her mother, who spoke of her deep love for India. In the caption, Bhumi wrote that she wears her nationality as “a badge of honour,” shaped by the values instilled in her childhood.

Professionally, the 36-year-old actress was last seen in the Netflix series The Royals, where she played Sophia, an ambitious start-up founder. She will next appear in Daldal as a police officer, and also stars in the much-awaited period drama Takht, further diversifying her career trajectory.

With inputs from IANS