National Awards give us confidence: Bhumi Pednekar

Bhumi Pednekar is extremely pleased that her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha has bagged a National Award.

The actress, who wants to work in meaningful projects, says that she only got a chance to work in the film as different types of stories are being made into films these days.

“After Dum Laga Ke Haisha I can only say that every individual has his/her own personality and each one can be happy in their own space. The National Award is an appreciation for doing our jobs to the best of our abilities; it has given us confidence and belief that will enable us to work harder.

Bhumi, who earlier worked for YRF, was not new to acting. “Having done casting for YRF, I would be involved in auditions, so acting was not new for me. I remember Adi sir had seen me taking auditions and he was sure that I could become an actor.

“I remember Shannu, my mentor/boss, who is a very strong woman, would also tell me that I was actor material; however, I would tell her that I was keen on becoming a director. But today it’s the opposite feeling, now I feel that acting is my cup of tea. I may turn a director but being the captain of a team will need more experience.

“I am doing another film with Ayushmann titled Manmarziya,” she says, adding, “I play a Punjabi girl in the film.”

“I am reading a few scripts but I have just two films in my kitty at present. I am choosy and I have to be responsible for my own acting ability as well.”

About her favourite stars, Bhumi says, “I am a diehard fan of Rani (Mukerjee) ma’am… I have admired her since I was a teenager… her journey from her first film to Mardaani has been an amazing one. She is a very strong woman.

“Also, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit and Meena Kumari have been my favourite heroines. I have grown up watching their films. These are women of substance. Apart from being talented they are strong and brilliant women as well. Their body of work has been commendable.”

She remembers that she had once auditioned Ranveer Singh. She says, “The very first audition of Ranveer Singh made me aware of his energy. I really understood his passion and hard work.

“Though I have auditioned many more actors, I like his passion. Even during audition sessions he never left any stone unturned. We were sure that Ranveer would be the next big star and today when I look back, I feel I was so right.”

Bhumi’s dream is to act in a biopic of Meena Kumari. “Meena Kumari had achieved so much in such a short life. She went through innumerable ups and downs. For all these reasons a film on her would do well.”