Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 1, 2017)

Given that the Bollywood industry is quick to label artistes based on the roles they’re applauded for, it isn’t surprising that an actor’s debut film plays a vital part in defining future projects. But, Bhumi Pednekar chose to introduce herself to the industry as the overweight newly-wed Sandhya in the Ayushmann Khurrana-starrer Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015). In an industry that frowns on a few added kilos, Pednekar says that she was surprised that no one had offered her another role of similar nature. “I could be stereotyped,” she says simply, adding, “But, the roles that came my way after the film demanded that I get in shape. It was empowering that a society that criticizes even a few extra inches had made my [overweight] character into a hero. I was worried that I wouldn’t be accepted as an actor, but here I am.”

The actor believes that Sandhya’s personality, and in certain ways, her charm too, overpowered the weakness of the character, even though the film hinged on the latter. It is no wonder then that her upcoming release, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha, which stars Akshay Kumar, has nothing to do with her previous character. In the recent past, Indian actors have welcomed the idea of transforming their physical appearance to fit the character. Yet, the glamour-obsessed industry couldn’t have been forgiving to a female actor packing on the inches. But Pednekar did not have any inhibitions in gaining weight. “I did the film because I was lured by the idea of being an actress. I didn’t have inhibitions about gaining weight. I was worried about losing it, though.”