In a heartfelt interview, Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar has finally opened up about the difficult time she went through after receiving backlash for her role in The Royals. The actress, known for her strong performances in films like Dum Laga Ke Haisha and Pati, Patni Aur Woh, admits that the criticism hit her harder than expected.
Bhumi shared how, after the negative reviews poured in, she felt “numb” and completely “lost”. Despite being used to the pressures of the industry, the criticism took a toll on her in ways she hadn’t anticipated. “I was at a point where I was questioning everything. I remember feeling so disconnected and unsure of myself. I kept asking, ‘Can I even act?’” she said. It wasn’t just about the movie; it was about the self-doubt that crept in after so much negative attention.
Realizing that she needed a break to reassess her journey, Bhumi decided to step away from acting for a while. She knew that taking time off was essential for her mental health. “I just couldn’t go on like that. I felt like I needed to reset, so I took a break, away from everything, to reflect and think about what I wanted moving forward,” she shared. During this time, Bhumi focused on rediscovering what made her passionate about acting, allowing herself to heal and reflect away from the limelight.
After months of stepping back, Bhumi returned to acting with a fresh perspective. The time away helped her regain her confidence and find the right roles that truly inspired her. “I realized I didn’t want to just take any role. I wanted to work on stories that mattered, things that felt real,” she said. Her return to the screen in films like Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan and Toilet: Ek Prem Katha proved that she was ready to take on more meaningful, impactful projects that resonated with her values.
Now, as Bhumi looks ahead, she’s determined to stay true to herself, focusing on roles that not only challenge her as an actor but also help her tell stories that matter. She admits that the break was necessary, and today, she’s back stronger than ever. “It’s important to remember that you don’t have to keep going just because the world tells you to. Sometimes, it’s okay to step back and take care of yourself,” she said.
