HINDUSTAN TIMES (November 29, 2019)

With two comedies and a horror film in the pipeline, Bhumi Pednekar is excited to charter new and different genres. After being part of entertaining films that have dealt with social messages, the actor promises good content with enough entertainment even in her upcoming films. In a quick chat, Bhumi talks about competition, the younger generation of actors, and attempting her first horror film. Excerpts:

How would you describe your rapport with the younger generation of actors?
Firstly, I am happy for Ayushmann (Khurrana) and he deserves all the accolades. This means you just have to have faith and everything will work out. Everyone I am working with is so good. Even Kartik Aaryan is fantastic in Pati Patni Aur Woh. He’s such a surprise package and we had a blast working. The thing is earlier, I didn’t know him at all, and through this experience we have become friends, and someone I enjoyed working with. Even Ananya is so good. I think the current generation is chill and not insecure about silly things that need no attention. There is also enough work for everyone. There is so much content being generated that it is not dirty competition any more. Everyone is supporting each other.

Bhoot – Part One: The Haunted Ship is your first horror film. Do you feel the horror genre is less explored in India?
I think Bhoot is going to be a genre-breaking film. I have known the director for many years, he is the reason I did this film. It’s a fantastic script. I feel horror has a lot to do with the audio and the technical aspects of it. What he has done is really going to surprise people.

Do you like to watch horror films?
I am really scared of watching horror films. I don’t know how I would watch this one (laughs). I watched Ram Gopal Varma’s Bhoot (2003), and I think that is the most amount of horror I have ever seen.

You have shot for films back-to-back. How do you deal with work pressure?
I think just spending time your family, chanting, taking out some me time, and working out.

Do you find time for your personal life?
Not at the moment. But it’s all good. I have barely been home for the year and half. My personal life is non-existent at the moment.

Do you believe in a healthy work-life balance and do actors get to do that?
I believe in it 100%, but I don’t think actors have that. I think it is very difficult to maintain that balance. But, I am trying to really get there. I am a workaholic. The only thing that makes me happy is work. And that is what I am doing.