BHUMI not savadhan about her flaws

The new Rs100-crore heroine, Bhumi Pednekar, talks to NIKITA WADHAWAN about her upcoming quirky movie, the taste of success and her co-stars

Fresh off the success of her recent film Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, actress Bhumi Pednekar is enjoying being part of the Rs100-crore club. With her new movie Shubh Mangal Saavdhan, Bhumi will have two movies locking horns at the box office. Something Bhumi is not worried about given the difference in the storyline. Excerpts from the interview:

You will have two films running at the box office, how are you feeling about that?

It’s amazing. My sister sent me a photo where during Toilet... the teaser said Shubh Mangal Saavdhan coming soon. I was overwhelmed to see the photo. These moments are not repeated often, so I just want to enjoy them. It is a rare chance to have two back-to-back releases. I haven’t been able to enjoy it as I have been so busy.

Even though you are not a part of the filmy brigade, you are still so comfortable taking such risky projects?

Ayushmann (Khaurrana) and I are both very secure people. I love celebrating my imperfections. Even in Dum Laga Ke Haisha you can see some of my facial scars and as a love story I thought this is what my character required. I love showing my imperfections on screen, because in real life I am dressed all the time. So I think that doing the opposite gives me courage. Moreover, the definition of commercial films is changing; it is defined by strong characters and directors.

What was going on in your mind when they narrated the film?

When they came home for narration I had no idea what the film was about. And until the biscuit falling scene I thought it was a simple love story. I got up that instant and literally did a slow clap. The beauty of this film is that you have taken a taboo sexual topic and you have turned it into a family entertainer. It is very rare.

This is your second film where you are enjoying being stalked...don’t you think this should be discouraged in films?

In both the films, I am aware of what the boy is doing. If I am uncomfortable with it then I will do something about it. Moreover, people should not get influenced by just one scene. There are many more things that are addressed in the movie. If you show everything good in the film then what change are you trying to bring about in the society.

Both your films have addressed issues that affect women. But in spite of that why do women don’t want to speak about these issues?

Women should speak up about issues. Toilet.. was a social film where we addressed an important problem. Here we address an issue which will affect a couple. Our culture looks down up sex, which is very bizarre. All we are trying to say with this film that problems can be solved, go to the doctor, don’t be ashamed.

You have also been compared to Vidya Balan, in terms of your career path and much more. How does it feel?

I love it. I have always admired her, she has done some fantastic films with some fantastic characters. She is one of the loveliest people I have come across in the fraternity so if I manage to attain some of what she has done, I will be very lucky.

What next?

I am choosy right now. I am happy that in such a short span I have done three films already. But I have done Bombay Talkies (second part) with Zoya (Akhtar). I have completed that.