‘I WAS NERVOUS ABOUT THE LOVEMAKING SCENE’
Bhumi Pednekar says she was confident that Zoya Akhtar will shoot the sequence ‘very aesthetically’; adds she doesn’t pay attention to ‘anything negative’ in life
An in-your-face lovemaking act, isn’t really something one would have expected of the otherwise very ‘regular, girl-next-door’, Bhumi Pednekar. No wonder then, her very bold and convincing play in Zoya Akhtar’s short film in the anthology project, Lust Stories, has taken most by a very pleasant surprise, getting the actor rave reviews and much appreciation. We caught up with the actor — who turned 29 on Wednesday — to ask her about her bold avatar in the short film, and more.
You are getting loads of praise for your outing in Lust Stories, which starts with a lovemaking scene. Were you apprehensive about the bold scene?
I was nervous, especially due to the kind of [feature] films I have done [till date]. That is probably why it was very shocking for people to see me in such a role. But as an actor, I realised that the scene’s intention was not to sensationalise things. In a way, we wanted to show a kind of class divide and a woman’s feelings. That’s why it was really important to have that scene. I was under the impression people will only talk about that scene. However, what’s most beautiful is the fact that everything else is being spoken about but that sequence.
What was your first reaction when you watched it?
I was surprised with the way Zoya (Akhtar; director) shot it because nothing looks vulgar or cheap in it. She was trying to evoke an emotion and was successful at doing so. It was pure feelings. I was confident that if Zoya is directing it, then the scene can’t be cheap. She will do it aesthetically and that’s exactly what she did. I watched the film with my mum and even she didn’t feel uncomfortable. So it’s a very big achievement. I am happy I did it, as that’s what was the (big) challenge.
Talking of feature films, you recently wrapped work on Son Chiriya. Do you sometimes feel that it could be your fourth hit on the trot?
I really hope so (laughs)! Everyone has worked really hard on it with absolutely clean intentions. There are many collaborators on this film, who just love the process of filmmaking and want to focus on the story. So it was a very different experience for me with no commercial angle in mind.
Your first look from the film is very interesting...
I got great reactions for it, but I have no idea how the film will turn out to be. However, Abhishek Chaubey is an extremely fine film-maker and I have full faith that it will be a good film. I have my fingers crossed. We have worked extremely hard on it. For me, it’s the toughest thing I have ever done.
This is your third year in Bollywood. Are you now used to all the pros as well as cons that come with the territory including negativity on social media and trolls?
With regard to social media, I swear I never even realise it (negativity) because I have a lot of fun on social media platforms. There’s also so much of information and knowledge on Instagram as well as Twitter. And honestly, I don’t pay attention to any of the negative comments or trolls on Twitter. I feel there should only be positivity in life. People will love you and hate you... it’s a part and parcel of our job, but I love films too much [to be concentrating on the negativity].
I don’t pay attention to any of the negative comments on Twitter. I feel there should only be positivity in life. People will love you and hate you... it’s a part and parcel of our job. BHUMI PEDNEKAR, ACTOR