Showing posts with label Bhakshak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bhakshak. Show all posts
Sanjay Mishra returns to theatre with Hindi adaptation of Ghashiram Kotwal: "The goal is to provoke, not preach"
10:59 AM
Sanjay Mishra on returning to theatre with Hindi adaptation of political satire, ‘Ghashiram Kotwal’, that can spark dialogue
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; August 7, 2025)
Sanjay Mishra is looking forward to endless rehearsals, long monologues, and facing real-time audiences as he returns to theatre with the Hindi adaptation of Ghashiram Kotwal (1972), the iconic Marathi political satire by playwright Vijay Tendulkar. Be it on stage or on screen, the veteran actor is known for his subtle performances, understated realism, and improvisational flair. But he insists it’s the stage where he truly lets loose.
“Theatre is a space where you can be braver,” says Mishra, who plays statesman Nana Phadnavis in the production.
Directed by Abhijit Panse and Bhalachandra Kubal, the play is set in 18th-century Pune under Peshwa rule. The story explores the murky nexus between power, politics, and morality, charting the meteoric rise — and eventual fall — of a man willing to barter his morals for authority. Mishra says he had been seeking “something challenging and that allows growth” when the opportunity came his way.
“Ghashiram Kotwal is an iconic piece of theatre with immense cultural and political relevance. When I was approached for this Hindi adaptation, the strength of the material and the clarity of the director’s vision moved me. I felt it was the right time to return, and to do so with a play that holds a mirror to society,” he shares.
While he has previously featured in politically charged films such as Newton (2017) and Bahut Hua Sammaan (2020), Mishra believes theatre delivers its message differently. “Both mediums require honesty, but theatre offers a certain immediacy that’s very powerful. [When] playing a character like Nana Phadnavis on stage, I try to remain neutral in interpretation, while focusing on the humanity and contradictions within him. The goal is to provoke thought, not preach.”
He adds that the play’s themes remain timeless. “I believe that in today’s world, where people are more aware and engaged, this play can spark meaningful dialogue. That, to me, is the real strength of theatre.”
It’s a sharp shift from his recent comic role in Son Of Sardaar 2, but Mishra embraces variety. He shares, “From Ankhon Dekhi [2014] to Vadh [2022], Golmaal [2006-2017] to Bhakshak [2024], I’ve defied typecasting. I believe that an actor should remain unpredictable for growth. I’m drawn to stories, not genres.”
Few people know Rajkummar Rao is a black belt in Taekwondo. So, action wasn’t tough for him-Pulkit
9:40 AM
Surprised that Rajkummar Rao has rarely explored action before despite his background, director Pulkit breaks down the actor’s physical and mental prep for Maalik
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; June 30, 2025)
Look at Pulkit’s short but impressive filmography, and it’s evident that the director is driven by hard-hitting stories. His pursuit was the same when making Maalik. “For me, the most challenging part was how not to make a simple action film. I wanted to tell a story that has action,” begins the director, recognising how many Hindi actioners rely on stunts rather than story.
But that has never been Pulkit’s modus operandi. For his first theatrical release, the director has reunited with Rajkummar Rao eight years after their web series, Bose: Dead/Alive (2017), to bring a gritty action entertainer about a common man who rises through the ranks to become a gangster in Allahabad.
“Bhakshak [2024], Dedh Bigha Zameen [2024], and my upcoming film with Saif Ali Khan have all been based on real-life stories. This time, I wanted a break from reality,” he says.
While Rao attempted action before in Hit: The First Case (2022), Maalik is his first out-and-out actioner. Pulkit says that after Bose: Dead/Alive, he wanted an encore with the actor.
“Since the series, I was trying to work something out with Raj as he is an exciting actor to work with. While writing the story, I could only imagine him in the role. Raj immediately gave his nod as the film presents him in a completely different avatar. For an actor, it’s tough to step out of his comfort zone and jump into something so extreme. But Raj doesn’t get challenged easily. He prepares before he comes on sets.”
To play a feared gangster, Rao bulked up and underwent a transformation of sorts. The director shares, “Raj built his body, and grew his hair and beard for over 90 days. He is the kind of actor who will never wear a wig or fake beard. Wearing them makes an actor uncomfortable and restricts their performance. Besides the physical prep, the anger you see in his eyes started when we began our readings. Every time we met for readings, I could see the [mental] transformation taking place.”
Ask Pulkit if Rao had to train hard to pull off the stunts, and he surprises us with his answer. “He didn’t need to train at all. Few people know that Raj is a black belt in Taekwondo. So, action wasn’t tough for him. I don’t know why he hasn’t done it before.”
Another on the anvil
Besides Maalik, Pulkit has an investigative drama, titled Kartavya, in the pipeline. The gritty thriller has Saif Ali Khan playing a cop, with Sanjay Mishra and Rasika Dugal as co-stars.
Huma Qureshi opens up about her dance number in Maalik: "Why should I not express my sensual side as a woman?"
9:08 AM
Sharing an exclusive look of her dance number from Maalik, Huma Qureshi says dance numbers don’t just cater to the male gaze today, but celebrate a woman’s sexuality
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 20, 2025)
Rajkummar Rao and director Pulkit have built a world of grit and grime with their upcoming film, Maalik. Bringing a dose of glam into the actioner is Huma Qureshi, who features in the song, Maalik ki mehfil mein mallika ka swagat. Sharing the song’s first look with mid-day, ahead of its release today, the actor reveals that her love for spectacles made it an easy yes to front the dance number.
“I enjoy spectacle! I enjoy Indian films that have elaborate songs. I’ve grown up dancing on Beedi from Omkara [2006]. So, this felt like a perfect song to show who I am,” she says, before adding, “Until your song plays at a party, have you even made it?”
Featuring in dance numbers seems at odds with Huma Qureshi, who is known to headline powerful female stories in Maharani, Tarla (2023), and the upcoming season of Delhi Crime. Mention this, and she says it’s the perfect way to strike a balance.
“I always approach everything as a performer. I want to balance my work as an artiste. People ask me if dance numbers dilute my image, but I don’t want to have a set image. Just because I can do an acclaimed show like Maharani or Delhi Crime, doesn’t mean I can’t do this. I refuse to get myself boxed. No one can tell me what I can or cannot do!”
We’re in an age where ‘item numbers’ are being reimagined as empowering cameos. The actor says she fully trusted the director’s vision as she shook a leg to the Sachin-Jigar composition that is choreographed by Vijay Ganguly.
“In 2025, we women are aware of these songs’ intentions. Earlier, such songs were made for the male gaze, but now there is a shift of perception. Now, it is about celebrating female sensuality, form, and sexuality. It’s an important differentiation. When a filmmaker like Pulkit decides to do a song like this, you know you’re in safe hands. His movie Bhakshak [2024] was one of the most powerful stories of recent years. When we approached this song, I felt empowered. The people, who want to present you, are doing so with the right idea. Moreover, why should I feel shy as a woman and not express my sensual side?”
Ardent fans complained that they’ve seen CID old episodes 25 times, demanded new ones-Dayanand Shetty, Aditya Srivastava
8:37 AM
In 2018, when the crime show went off-air, fans complained and requested to bring ACP Pradhyuman (Shivaji Satam), Daya (Dayanand Shetty) and Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava) back on the small screen
Letty Mariam Abraham (MID-DAY; January 14, 2025)
"Daya darwaza thod do," is a dialogue that is forever etched in our minds. For almost 21 years, the cast and crew of CID have been entertaining the audience. In 2018, when the crime show went off-air, fans complained and requested to bring ACP Pradhyuman (Shivaji Satam), Daya (Dayanand Shetty) and Abhijeet (Aditya Srivastava) back on the small screen. Six years later, the makers heeded fans’ demands. Shetty and Srivastava caught up with mid-day on the set to discuss the crime show, the plots they’ve upgraded, and plans to connect with GenZ while keeping the authenticity and quirks of the show intact. Edited excerpts from the interview.
What was it like when you learnt that the show is shutting down in 2018 and starting again in 2024?
Aditya Srivastava: When we came to know that the show is shutting down, it was shocking. It has been a long journey with the CID unit, and we’ve operated like a family for over 20 years. We had see each other’s faces as soon as we woke up, so when that was getting over, it disappointed us. When we learnt that the show is coming back in 2024, we couldn’t believe it until we reached the set and the camera began rolling. The six-year gap felt like it never happened.
Dayanand Shetty: Between 2016 and 2018, the show changed its timings a lot, so we had an intuition that something was happening with it. We were disappointed when the call was finally taken in 2018. While we felt bad about it, it felt worse knowing that the unit would suffer. They’ve been isolated from the rest of the industry for 21 years while doing this show. We worried about what would happen to them. We would still be able to manage and find other work, but for them to acclimatize with another unit would take time. We did feel that within six months or a maximum of a year, the show would be back, because people still liked the show; they wanted it back. A lot of personalities supported the show. So we were positive that CID would come back, but it didn’t happen until now.
Did you ever fear about figuring out what to do next?
AS: No, not really. As an actor, I’ve looked at CID as a job. During that time, I added about 20 to 25 films to my career graph. I never even thought of or felt fear. I believe it is a journey, and we’ve been lucky. I think it’s the grace of the audience that we’ve managed to come back. I have always picked up opportunities that came my way. I don’t think too far ahead; that’s my attitude.
What was the highest point in your career in these six years?
DS: COVID. I cannot forget those two years at home where I enjoyed and pampered myself. Those two years were almost the best time of my life. After that, when work came, I felt [reluctant] to go out again. The skies were clear, birds were coming home, I had started seeing sparrows, I had some good moments at that time.
Did you wish to make any changes in CID’s new season?
AS: The writers’ team was discussing this. In the six-year break, people have seen a lot of content, and the audience has upgraded their content. I believe we should upgrade the presentation. The GenZ terms have also been included in this season. As an actor, we try to get ready on all aspects. In TV, you get the script in the morning, you have to prepare and deliver, so we intend to keep doing that to the best of our ability. The show does look more glossy now.
Have there been any changes in the characters of Daya and Abhijeet?
AS: The show has been going on 20–21 years. As actors, we try to change our approach, which is sometimes possible because of the story. Sometimes the change is action-wise or in relationships [within the show]. Of course, doing one character for so long is challenging for any actor, but we try to keep it different. If we have questioned someone in the previous episode, we change the attitude the next time, although it is very difficult because of the exposure the show has been getting. We make small changes as actors.
DS: These characters are embedded in people’s minds; that is why the show was brought back. The characters are popular for certain things in the show, like kids liked seeing ACP Pradhyuman moving his eyebrows and questioning criminals, so those things will still remain. What we can improvise is the technicality through the cameras. We had outdated cameras before, and in these six years, we’ve upgraded those. We use gimbal cameras that can go anywhere. Of course, we have to improve on the script too. It cannot be that we solve all the crimes by triangulating the cell phone connection. The audience will not enjoy the simplicity and predictability of these things. We’ve used AI in the coming episodes. CID is like a thali; you have to have comedy, action, emotion and drama.
Was it difficult to get back into character after the gap?
AS: It was only difficult to get everyone back together because everyone had gotten busy with their respective lives. However, once we reached the set, saw the same faces and camera, we were charged. We didn’t even realise [that there was a gap].
How did you realize that fans missed CID?
AS: The show had shut down, but wherever we travelled, people would approach us and tell us that they watched our show just a day before. A lot of people didn’t realize that the show had gone off-air. Maybe they caught up with the shows online or the repeat telecast of episodes. Or they watched it on the apps. So, according to them, the show was still going on.
DS: Recently, I was standing in a queue for something. Before me was a family who had a four-year-old child with them. The father turned to me and said that his kid is a big fan of Daya. I was wondering if they were trying to fool me. How can a four-year-old child be a fan of a character who has been off-air for six years? The kid aggressively turned to me and said, “Me CID Bagto.” I was surprised. I realized they were watching the old episodes on YouTube or SonyLIV. It felt nice to know that even though the show is off-air, we were still relevant. Of course, ardent fans complained, saying they’ve seen the old episodes 25 times, and demanded new ones.
How long is the new CID going to run for?
DS: [Maybe till] a four-year-old child becomes 40 years old. We may do this in our dentures too [laughs].
What have you learnt about yourselves through CID?
AS: As an actor, we are lucky to get a show that the audience loved. The aim of any actor is to have a connection with the audience, and they get accepted. We got that from this show. Other than that, it is like a job for me.
DS: I came to know that I am a good human being [laughs]. For 21 years, we’ve worked with one team. The people are so good, we carry a middle-class attitude in food to how we manage everything. There are no stars on set; everyone is only an actor. People outside consider us as something big, but on set, we are like everybody else. We don’t even want to know about our star status; we are the labour kind of actors who come at 9 am and leave by 10 in the evening. People are surprised to see us being down to earth.
AS: It’s because our seniors have created that atmosphere. Satam sir [74], belongs to theatre and has done a lot of work. We’ve always looked up to him. He doesn’t throw any tantrums; he is extremely devoted. So when new actors come on set, they get inspired. If Satam sir is not asking for pack-up [despite his age], how can anyone else ask for it? It’s the culture we’ve created on set.
Previously, you’ve written a few episodes. Can we expect some in this season too?
DS: I can’t write. I can only visualize a story and create a concept. And that happens randomly and after two days, it fizzles out. So, I call Christabelle D’Souza, who is a creative on the show, to discuss a story. She then develops on it. The makers are kind enough to give me credit, but I am not a writer.
Do you feel that your characters on CID overshadow your other work?
DS: It is a badge of honour for us.
AS: Sometimes, when I meet people who’ve seen me in Satya, Black Friday, Super 30, or Bhakshak [they recognize me]. TV audiences recognize our CID characters, and the reach of the show is quite vast.
I have faced casual sexism and didn’t even realize it-Bhumi Pednekar
8:51 AM
Sundas Jawed (BOMBAY TIMES; October 4, 2024)
Bhumi Pednekar, actress and climate warrior who was in the city for an event on Monday evening, believes it is important for women to be ambitious, to have a voice and an opinion. She is also someone who looks up to her mother for inspiration. She says: “I’ve seen my mom work so hard to make sure that my sister and I have a beautiful life. She is an evolved individual and everyday I wonder how I can make her proud.”
During the session, the actress talked about the power of cinema, and more.
‘First is always special’
At the event hosted by the ICC, Bhumi shared how her first film Dum Laga Ke Haisha helped her find purpose. “I’ve seen the power of cinema in the way it can change mindsets. It gave me the clarity that if you choose stories that represent real India, you will surely find an audience,” said the actress, adding, “Your first is always special but Bhakshak is also close to my heart because what the film stands for is really close to me as I work a lot with children.”
On choosing socially driven scripts
When asked about choosing scripts that are heartland-centric or socially driven, Bhumi smiled and shared how her heart belongs to that part of India. “Our country is diverse, culturally rich and there are so many stories of resilience and courage that need to be told,”
Further the actress shared how such roles and movies turned out to be smart business decisions for her. “I always wanted to create a space for myself that would be tough to take away from me and the unconventional worked so beautifully for me,” added Bhumi.
‘We need to have stricter laws for women safety’
Speaking about the need to have women representation at all levels and spheres, Pednekar said, “It is empowering to be on set and see equal presentation of my gender, but it’s not enough yet. I’m hopeful that we as an industry will achieve it. The only way we can ensure women’s safety is by having stricter laws.”
The actress also added how much it scares her that violence has become an inherent part of our being and there is no empathy left in the society.
‘On a daily basis, I have faced casual sexism’
Reflecting upon the recent tragedy in the city, the Bhakshak actress shared how gender bias & violence against women is not just a problem in India but a global one. “This is a result of years of conditioning and stems from a place where we are trying to create an equal playground that has still not been successful. I have faced casual sexism and didn’t even realize it till women I looked up to told me that it was not normal and I should stand up against it. The only way we can deal with it is by calling out that behaviour collectively,” shared the actress.
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'My mother is my hero and my idol. She became a single parent very early on in life when we lost our father. She is my single source of motivation and strength'
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'Cinema is considered to be a dark industry but it is not. When used correctly, this platform can be a powerful one. It also creates so many jobs and opportunities for so many people'
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'For a long time, I was worried about getting films only with heartland stories but I like playing these characters as they’re different from me, it’s a challenge I like'
The world needs Mahatma Gandhi now more than ever before-Pratik Gandhi
8:26 AM
After PM Modi’s remark on Gandhi creates a stir, Pratik says the Mahatma represents a thought process that is relevant today as he portrays the leader in upcoming eponymous web series
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; June 4, 2024)
When Dedh Bigha Zameen came his way, Pratik Gandhi’s first reaction was to the title, and an unfavourable one at that. Director Pulkit made him see that it had nothing in common with Bimal Roy’s classic, Do Bigha Zameen (1953). “After my first reading, I realized that it couldn’t have had any other name,” says Pratik.
In Dedh Bigha Zameen, the actor plays a common man who intends to sell his ancestral land, only to realize that it has been illegally possessed by a corrupt official. The hero battling an oppressive system is a common trope in Hindi cinema. But Pratik credits Pulkit of Bhakshak fame for developing a moving and essential story.
“Pulkit’s approach and writing are organic. Bhakshak disturbed me; I couldn’t sleep all night. He has the tendency to touch your core while asking questions that others don’t. We would create many scenes on the set. While performing, some lines hit differently, and Pulkit allows you the space to tweak a scene to your liking.”
Pratik showed his acting prowess with Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020), and with the success of Madgaon Express, his star is on the rise. He considers himself a switch-on-switch-off actor.
“When I am performing, I have two people inside me—Pratik and the character. The character is telling the story, Pratik is objectively looking at the performance. I’m critical of myself to the point of overthinking.”
His next big project is Gandhi, a multi-season series on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the world did not know of the Mahatma until the film, Gandhi (1982), was made. The remark has been condemned by many across the country. The actor says the Mahatma has become all the more relevant today.
“The world needs Gandhi now more than ever before. Gandhi is not a person, he is a thought process. It’s necessary to know and understand where he comes from. With this show, we’re making a digital footprint of him. What we’ve read in school is only a portion of his life. Our series is delving into many aspects that people have not known. It will help them see Gandhi in a different light, even make him more human.”
Female actors aren’t generally taken seriously-Sai Tamhankar
7:57 AM
Mihir Bhanage (BOMBAY TIMES; April 16, 2024)
Few things can get Sai Tamhankar to skip work and nursing a sore throat definitely isn’t one of them. Over a cup of hot coffee on a hot April afternoon just before heading to an event in the city, the actress spoke to us about the new phase of her life, dancing on screen and conveying one's thoughts in the right manner. Excerpts:
‘With great power comes great responsibility’
That’s a Spider-Man line that Sai swears by when it comes to speaking about things that bother her.
Does it mean she looks the other way? No, but the actress tries to find a way in which her statement isn’t wrongly interpreted. “Fame is a double-edged sword. Your words hold weightage, but they can be held against you. I feel that’s alright too, and I accept it. Having said that, this shouldn’t stop you from saying what you feel. What matters is how and where you say it. Don’t be in an urgency to react,” says the actress, adding, “While shooting for Mimi, Pankaj Tripathi ji said a very interesting thing about finding the opportunity to present your thoughts through a character. That changed my perspective.”
‘Auditioning for roles is an ongoing process’
Sai will soon be seen with Emraan Hashmi and Pratik Gandhi in two different projects - Ground Zero and Agni. The actress tells us that she auditioned for both projects and that auditions are an ongoing process.
"Over the years, I have learned that auditions are not about questioning an actor’s talent but about how you fit a specific character or look. If you maintain a positive approach towards them, life becomes easy. Till date I have butterflies in my stomach when I audition for roles, and I think that is how it should be too,” she says.
Changing perceptions and the YOLO mantra
A string of successful projects, a beautiful home and a swanky set of four wheels later, the Pondicherry actress feels that you have only one life and you should do what makes you happy in it. “I am happy with what I have achieved. Yes, I took some risks, but I feel you need those to keep going in life,” she shares.
The actress also feels that when you continuously do good work, there’s a definite change in the public perception. “Maybe it's more to do with female actors because we aren’t generally taken seriously. Don't know if there's a specific reason for that, but I have realized that perception too can change when you keep doing good work. Gradually, there’s more weight in your words, people listen to you. I have observed this happening with me over the last few years.”
On her takeaway from Bhakshak...
Sai’s role of a cop in Bhakshak, with Bhumi Pednekar in the lead, was appreciated by many. The actress’ takeaway from the film? “The topic we were addressing in Bhakshak (which was about young girls facing abuse at a shelter home), was intense, difficult, bothering and unsettling,” says Sai, adding, “My takeaway from the film was that hope pe zindagi kayam hai, and also a reassurance that there are people who use the power they have to do good in the society.”
More dancing on screen?
Among the things that Sai got cold feet for earlier was dancing on screen. But that changed post Param Sundari (Mimi) and the actress also shook a leg to Dil Mein Baji Guitar (Sridevi Prasanna) recently.
"Param Sundari was the turning point and Ganesh masterji (choreographer Ganesh Acharya) is instrumental in removing my mental block about dancing. For Dil Mein Baji Guitar, Siddharth Chandekar and I were sailing in the same boat, but both of us enjoyed the experience. Earlier, I would feel like going to write an exam before heading for a dance shoot. Now I look forward to it,” she shares. So, expect to see more dancing from Sai in upcoming projects.
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Where I am today, 80% is due to hard work and 20% is the result of prayers, fans, well-wishers and good vibes
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Taking time to understand things and then speak about them is the need of the hour, not reacting to something immediately
If it wasn’t for Thank You For Coming, it would’ve taken me more time to come out of Bhakshak-Bhumi Pednekar
8:06 PM
Navya Kharbanda (HINDUSTAN TIMES; March 4, 2024)
Basking in the success of her latest OTT release Bhakshak, actor Bhumi Pednekar is overwhelmed to see the film getting a “thrilling” response. She says, “It’s been an amazing experience as it travelled globally, too.”
Recalling the response to her debut, Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015), which recently completed nine years, the 34-year-old adds that she’s feeling the same frenzy she experienced with her first film: “Both films had a different impact, [but I’ve received] universal love. That’s the beauty of art.”
Having done several socially relevant films such as Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Shubh Mangal Saavdhaan (both 2017) and Badhai Do (2022), Pednekar believes this is “not a bad box (doing films with a message) to be in”. “I enjoy doing social dramas. It’s about the choices I make and not only what comes my way. I like my work having an impact. Even if my film doesn’t have a strong social message, my character will be empowered,” she says.
The Thank You For Coming (2023) actor recently starred in back-to-back releases that were poles apart. She shares an interesting anecdote: “The funny thing is that I immediately started shooting for Thank You... after finishing Bhakshak and it healed my state of mind, as it (the latter) was a heavy and dark experience. If it wasn’t for the comedy chick flick, it would’ve taken me more time to come out of it.”
Pednekar has been making a “conscious choice” to strike a balance between her OTT and theatrical releases. “For me, both the mediums are extremely important. There are certain films that need a digital release, where it can be released with care, and judged on how good the content is,” she wraps up.
(Crisp) Movie Review: BHAKSHAK by FENIL SETA
7:45 PM
Bhakshak, produced by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment and which has been released on Netflix, is inspired by a shocking true incident. The plot and some of the scenes remind one of the Oscar-winning film Spotlight. But the risk faced by the journalists in Bhakshak is far more and that adds to the tension. Director Pulkit adopts a no-nonsense approach and the focus is firmly on the story. He thankfully doesn’t try to titillate the viewers and understands the sensitivity. The film, however, is lengthy and some of the developments are not convincing and also not needed. Bhumi Pednekar delivers a terrific performance and it’s easily one of her best. Sanjay Mishra is terrific and he reminds yet again with this performance that he's one of the finest actors we have. Aditya Srivastava and Durgesh Kumar are terrific, to say the least. Sai Tamhankar is too good and one wishes she had a longer role. Gulista Alija (Baby Rani) and Tanisha Mehta (Sudha) are actors to watch out for. Others like Chittaranjan Tripathy (Mithilesh), Vibha Chibber (Rajni Singh), Pravin Kumar Sisodia (Brijmohan Singh), Shakti Sinha (Pappu Thekedar), Danish Iqbal (Suresh Sinha; Vaishali's brother-in-law) and Pubali Sanyal (Mamta; Suresh Singh's wife) do well. All in all, Bhakshak is worth watching for its performances and plot.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
Anyone can do potboilers, not everybody can do a Bhakshak-Bhumi Pednekar
8:23 AM
Feeling guilty about passing up Bhakshak initially, Bhumi on how fronting drama about child-abuse cases is her attempt at rallying for much-needed change
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; February 2, 2024)
Letting go of a film doesn’t usually leave an actor feeling guilty. But Bhumi Pednekar couldn’t get Bhakshak’s script out of her mind for almost six months after initially passing it up due to factors beyond her control. It was a clear sign that she had to headline it.
“When the film came to me during the lockdown, I loved it. For some reason, things didn’t work out at that point. But from then till I started working on it, I re-read the script, and there wasn’t a day when this film didn’t haunt me. I kept feeling guilty [about passing it up],” she recalls.
Director Pulkit’s social drama is inspired by real-life cases of children’s sexual abuse at shelter homes across the country. Pednekar points out that the Netflix release is also a grim reminder of our society’s moral corruption.
“This film makes us question our conscience, our lack of empathy, how we have all forgotten to feel hurt for others. It’s heartbreaking to know that three-year-olds are living a life like this. Sexual offence against children is the lowest of low that a society can stoop to. Bhakshak comments on the dirt that society has become, and we all are a part of it in varying degrees.”
Besides giving her a hard-hitting drama that holds the mirror up to society, Bhakshak was one of those rare experiences where the actor had the freedom to dig deep. She says it has resulted in one of her most mature performances.
“The last time I felt a switch as an actor was during Sonchiriya [2019]. It doesn’t happen often that you get such a complete script and a clear-eyed director. Here, on a busy day, I could tell Pulkit that I needed three hours to prepare for a scene, and he’d say, ‘Take it.’ No questions asked.”
In her eight-year career, the actor has made a habit of seeking good films—be it Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) that was a commentary on body shaming, Bheed (2023) that told the plight of migrant labourers during the lockdown, or Afwaah (2023) that revolved around misinformation. Her motivation is simple: “It is my way of feeling I tried,” she reasons.
“[My] legacy has to be such that people say, ‘She did everything in her power to make a change.’ We all have our insecurities. But when a film like Bhakshak comes my way, I feel I will act at least 10 years more now. I might not feel that with a commercial potboiler because any other person can do that, but not everybody can do these kinds of films. I do mainstream movies so that I can do a Bhakshak.”
When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, only then I will slow down-Bhumi Pednekar
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Bhumi Pednekar wants to make up for the time lost due to the pandemic
Sugandha Rawal (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 6, 2022)
Back-to-back shooting schedules have kept Bhumi Pednekar very busy this year, and she has no intention of slowing down. The actor says she is currently in “revenge work mode” and making up for all the time she missed due to the pandemic-related lockdowns.
“I feel me-time is extremely important, but this year I have not had a lot of that. But I’m a workaholic and I want to catch up on lost time,” says the actor, who was last seen in Raksha Bandhan, adding, “I’m so grateful for all the opportunities that I have that I don’t feel like slowing down at the moment. When my body will naturally tell me to slow down a little, I think only then I will slow down. But at the moment, I’m on a high. I’m having a blast.”
About her projects, the 33-year-old informs, “I have recently worked on Afwaah, which stars (actor) Nawazuddin Siddiqui sir, and is directed by Sudhir Mishra. It is such a wonderful project. It is actually my fourth film this year. I have already finished The Ladykiller and Bhakshak. My year started with a bang with Badhaai Do. The second half of the year is going to be super packed too. I have back-to-back shooting schedules and will start filming for two new projects.”
Ask her if she also plans on expanding her horizons in the industry — for instance, taking up direction, production, or writing — and Pednekar shares, “I don’t feel the need for it right now because my hands are so full at the moment. But because I love cinema so much, I’m sure I will diversify at some point, and that could be directing, producing, or singing.”
Unlike Undekhi, I play the good guy in Bhakshak-Surya Sharma
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Undekhi actor Surya Sharma on landing the lead role opposite Bhumi Pednekar in Bhakshak
Uma Ramasubramanian (MID-DAY; March 23, 2022)
Moving in the big league, Surya Sharma of Undekhi fame has bagged a role in Bhakshak. The Red Chillies Entertainment film sees the actor play the lead opposite Bhumi Pednekar.
“Unlike Undekhi, here I play the good guy,” says Sharma, who has slipped in to play a resident of Bihar.
Since the story is set in the cow belt, the actor trained for two months to get the dialect right. “I watched a lot of YouTube channels to pick the language. It was a challenge, since coming from the north, I had already picked up the Punjabi accent, then Haryanvi. Until I reached the set, I didn’t know if I was on the right track [or not],” says the actor, who plays Pednekar’s husband in the film.
“Bhumi is a wonderful human being. [After spending time with her] during workshops, rehearsals and readings, I now count her as my friend.”
Bhumi Pednekar plays the lead in Shah Rukh Khan-backed Bhakshak, based on Muzaffarpur shelter home case
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Bhumi Pednekar, who plays a journalist in SRK-backed Bhakshak, to kick off Mumbai leg of crime drama that is based on Muzaffarpur shelter home case
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; February 11, 2022)
After shooting a three-week schedule of Bhakshak in Lucknow, Bhumi Pednekar has returned to Mumbai right in time for the release of Badhaai Do. The actor, however, has little time for a breather. Come Tuesday, she will dive again into the world of the investigative crime thriller that is backed by Shah Rukh Khan’s Red Chillies Entertainment. A source reveals that director Pulkit, who had helmed Rajkummar Rao’s Bose: Dead/ Alive (2017), has lined up an extensive stint in Mumbai.
Pednekar plays a journalist in Bhakshak, which is reportedly based on the 2018 Muzaffarpur shelter home case. The source reveals, “The shoot will take place at real locations across Mumbai. The production team has zeroed in on several pockets in the western suburbs, where filming will be conducted over the next 21 days at least. A large number of extras have been summoned.”
In May 2018, reports about repeated sexual abuse of minor girls at a shelter home in Muzaffarpur had emerged after Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) carried out an audit of shelter homes across Bihar. Following the exposé, the girls were rescued, while the main accused Brajesh Thakur was sentenced to life imprisonment.
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