The conscientious decision to reassess and commit to a film is rarely accompanied by a sense of guilt, yet for Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, the emotional gravity of the script for ‘Bhakshak’ lingered, compelling her to eventually take on the lead role. “I was first approached with the film during lockdown, and even though I was immediately drawn to it, things didn’t fall into place at that time. But the script.. it stayed with me, haunted me. I felt guilt for not being able to previously commit,” shared Pednekar, revealing the unexpected bond she formed with the story that she initially had to turn down.
The film, a hard-hitting drama directed by Pulkit, confronts the stark reality of child sexual abuse within Indian shelter homes. As this Netflix feature is set to reach a global audience, it exposes the somber truth of a societal malaise deeply ingrained in moral corruption. Pednekar’s determination to front ‘Bhakshak’ stems not only from her artistic pursuits but also from a profound desire to ignite much-needed conversations about our collective moral compass and empathy or the lack thereof. “The fact that children as young as three have to endure such atrocities is a reflection of how low society can really stoop. This film sheds light on the appalling ‘dirt’ our society has accumulated over time, and frankly, we are all a part of this issue in one way or another,” Pednekar remarks with a palpable sense of urgency for change.
In portraying this challenging role, Pednekar found herself diving into depths of her craft that she had not explored since her performance in ‘Sonchiriya’ (2019). She credits director Pulkit for crafting an environment that allowed her to delve into the complexities of her character, fostering one of her most mature performances to date. “To be able to spend hours preparing for a scene without question was liberating as an artist. It’s a rare gem to find a script so complete and a director with such clear vision.”
Throughout her career spanning eight years, Pednekar has been consistently drawn to films with a voice – messages that resonate with her own resolve to invoke thought and impact. From addressing body shaming in ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ (2015) to showcasing the plights of migrant laborers in ‘Bheed’ (2023), and shedding light on misinformation in ‘Afwaah’ (2023), her choices in cinema are aligned with her mission to contribute to societal advancement. “I want my legacy to be recognized by the efforts I made for change. It’s easy to succumb to insecurities, but when projects like ‘Bhakshak’ come along, they reinforce my will to continue this journey, perhaps for a decade more. Mainstream movies finance my ability to take part in transformative stories like this,” she states, speaking on the balance she maintains between commercial successes and socially impactful cinema.
Pednekar’s voice adds to a growing collective in Bollywood – actors, directors, and creators who are leveraging the industry’s widespread influence to challenge norms and provoke critical reflection. It’s a shift from the usual narrative of big-budget potboilers, focusing instead on stories that demand attention for their raw portrayal of uncomfortable truths. Pednekar’s embracement of these roles reflects a commitment to substantive storytelling that reverberates far beyond mere entertainment, drawing audiences into a richer, more introspective cinematic experience.
Bhumi Pednekar’s journey with ‘Bhakshak’ goes beyond the screen; it’s an embodiment of her belief in the power of cinema as a catalyst for social awareness and reform. As she reflects on her decision to accept the role, she acknowledges a personal evolution – one that prioritizes not just the art of performance, but also the integrity and purpose of being an artist in a world that visibly yearns for change.