Tag: BHUMI

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Bhumi feels amazing to be one among prolific actors in B’wood’

She further mentioned that her journey makes her the artiste that she is today and she couldn’t be happier that today top filmmakers trust her to deliver on their vision…reports Asian Lite News

Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, who is awaiting the release of ‘Govinda Naam Mera’, has shared that her upcoming cinematic choices – the films and the characters – are a reflection of her belief system.

Elaborating further, the actress said: “My upcoming film choices and the characters I play in them are a reflection of my belief system and goal as an artiste to portray women well on screen. I enjoy choosing scripts that let me disrupt the content landscape. I will continue to do the same in the near future.”

She is one of the busiest actors in B-town with 5 releases lined up for next year. These titles include ‘Bheed’, ‘Afwaah’, ‘The Lady Killer’, ‘Bhakshak’ and Mudassar Aziz’s next movie.

Sharing her excitement, the actress said: “It feels amazing to be one of the most prolific actors in the Hindi film industry today and I’m proud that I have been able to reach here through my hard work and determination. Being a complete outsider to Bollywood, the journey to be where I’m today, has taken a bit of time for sure but honestly, I have no regrets.”

She further mentioned that her journey makes her the artiste that she is today and she couldn’t be happier that today top filmmakers trust her to deliver on their vision.

The actress seems to be enjoying the pressure of back to back releases as she said: “Ever since I made my debut with ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’, I have relished the challenge of playing women characters that have ambitions, desires and strength. I feel blessed and fortunate that I have seven films in the next one year in which I play various shades of women.”

“Films like ‘Bheed’, ‘Afwaah’, ‘The Lady Killer’, ‘Bhakshak’ and Mudassar Aziz’s next movie, ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ and another announced untitled film, will reflect the fact that I have been able to accomplish this.”

These films will allow her to showcase fascinatingly strong women in cinema: “This conscious choice, to be an actor who showcases different sides of fiercely independent women, has also given me a chance to work with my favourite filmmakers and co-stars. I have had a lot of fun shooting for these films.”

Bhumi’s next release – ‘Govinda Naam Mera’ will land on OTT on December 16.

ALSO READ-Bhumi Pednekar, Nykd campaign on being yourself

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Bollywood Films Lite Blogs

‘Badhaai Do’: Another honest take on LGBTQ+ issues

The plot is linear, with the narrative having a single-minded focus on delivering this message to its audience. The length of the film and the lacklustre chemistry between the lead cast, however, dilute this impact…reports Troy Rebeiro

Film: ‘Badhaai Do’ (Running in Theatres); Duration: 147 minutes, Director: Harshavardhan Kulkarni. Cast: Rajkummar Rao, Bhumi Pednekar, Sheeba Chaddha, Seema Pahwa, Loveleen Mishra and Nitesh Pandey. (Rating: **1/2)

Bold themes reflecting the changing reality of our society are slowly but surely making their way into Hindi films.

While the honesty and intention are laudable, Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s ‘Badhai Do’ is forcefully stretched to make this point palatable to the audience. Also, somewhere down the line, the message loses its impact and earnestness.

Shardul Thakur (Rajkummar Rao) and Sumi Singh (Bhumi Pednekar) come from middle-class families where societal norms are expected to be complied with. The two of them however are ‘different’.

They belong to the queer community, and discovering a common goal, enter into a marriage of convenience, wherein each one leads his or her life freely while keeping up pretences of being a happily married couple.

The societal pressure of having a baby, and elders in the family trying hard to make it happen, make things spiral out of control, and a chance discovery of Sumi with her partner, Rimjhim (Chum Darang), causes the Pandora’s Box to be opened. How they explain to their families that they are born to be different and are not suffering from a ‘disease’ forms the crux of the film.

Rajkummar Rao, as the policeman, fixated upon fitness and body-building, flaunting his six-pack abs and an enviable physique, every inch looks his part. But somewhere, in his bid to be different and not use stereotypical mannerisms, as he essays this character, he tries too hard and fails to impress. One does not empathise with him and one cannot feel his predicament.

Bhumi Pednekar as Sumi, a Physical Education teacher, scores over Rao in her realistic portrayal and seems to be more comfortable portraying her bold character. Yet, somewhere, neither of them is deeply convincing.

The supporting cast of veteran actors deliver what is expected of them. The scene on the terrace where Shardul’s mother (Sheeba Chaddha) embraces her sobbing son in acceptance is poignant.

The plot is linear, with the narrative having a single-minded focus on delivering this message to its audience. The length of the film and the lacklustre chemistry between the lead cast, however, dilute this impact.

The setting of the film — middle-class small-town families and societal expectations — are a tad exaggerated, merely to drive home the point and heighten the contrast.

The LGBTQ+ rally towards the end, to reiterate their liberation and acceptance of who they are, is one of the several uncalled-for instances in the film, which merely adds to its length, not its gravitas.

Also, the sensitivity of the issue and the societal reactions, particularly those of middle-class families, are made to look trite, and with the several forced attempts to highlight the struggles of this community, somewhere along the way, the seriousness of the message is lost.

The music meshes well with the theme of the film. ‘Atak Gaya’ by Arijit Singh, in particular, encapsulates the essence of the film.

Overall, this film appears to be just another take on LGBTQ+ issues, this time adding the adoption angle to the otherwise commonplace matter of coming out of the closet and making your families understand. Mounted with moderate production values the film tends to get tedious at times.

ALSO READ-Bollywood vs South Indian film industry

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Bollywood Food Lite Blogs

Bhumi reveals her ‘magical diet’

New York is one of my favorite cities to travel. Whenever I am there, I take long walks. I love pizza and in New York, every block has a pizzeria…Bhumi speaks with Arundhuti Banerjee.

Bollywood stars’ lifestyle and dietary plans are truly exemplary to fans and common people. From gaining 12 kgs for her debut film ‘Dum Laga Ke Haisha’ to losing all the extra pounds for her next film ‘Toilet: Ek Prem Katha’ and changing her shape with her each film, actress Bhumi Pednekar is on a long journey with food and healthy diet.

As the actress recently tried her hand at cooking pasta for a digital food show, Bhumi opens up on her best food destination, memories and why her relationship with food is a crucial part of who she is.

Bhumi will appear in the finale episode of ‘You Got Chef’d – Season 3’ that releases on Gobble, the lifestyle channel of Pocket Aces, as well as on YouTube.

Sharing her cooking experience Bhumi told : “Well it was a virtual episode in which I cooked with Chef Ranveer Brar and I must say that even though I thought cooking is such a tough task, if you are guided right, it actually is not! I am not a cook at all, I am a super foodie! But when I started cooking the pasta, of course, the chef guided me, but I ended up making a portion of good pasta.

“I think I am not as bad a cook as I assumed I am. We cooked pasta as the theme of the episode was Italian food memory, it was delicious. Can I say this, that combination of few things could never go wrong, and our pasta was one of such things. We cooked a portion of pasta in butter, garlic, mushroom and asparagus sauce…it was mouthwatering! I must say that pasta is one of the versatile dishes, with so many easy tasty combinations that if you learn to cook one of them, trust me, you could impress all your friends and family with one meal of pasta! I was so excited when eventually I made it..yessss!! (she laughs)”

So, what is Bhumi’s favorite food destination?

“Food destination would be Mexico and Japan. But I am always game for a food trip to Mexico because, in India, we do not get the best variety of Mexican and South American food. When I started travelling internationally and I went to Mexico I was just so in love with their food and culture. Japanese food and pan-Asian cuisine we still get here in India. I love Japanese food too, tasty, flavourful yet so many healthy options one can get with Asian food.”

Asked about narrating her best food memory and Bhumi recalls a story of one of the bylanes of New York.

“New York is one of my favorite cities to travel. Whenever I am there, I take long walks. I love pizza and in New York, every block has a pizzeria. You won’t believe that I am one of them who would go to all the best pizzerias of every block and eat one fresh slice with a different topping! I feel like a child then really and my friends would laugh at such madness. But those toppings are so good, how can I miss them? (laugh)” recalls Bhumi.

Since there is a lot of body transformation Bhumi has gone through and constantly working on herself to look good and stay fit, which is a part of the beauty business, the actress explained how her mind is trained to a healthy lifestyle.

“Initially, for me, it was to do with gaining and losing weight to look in a certain way. But from the time I started my journey as an actress, I realised, our look is a combination of food, exercise and healthy habits that we can sustain for life. For instance, my trainer always focused on core strengthening and increasing metabolism and immunity. I think during the pandemic we all have understood the importance of immunity.

“In my diet, I always maintain a great combination of protein and carbs. Of course, I am guided by experts but I think there is no shortcut that offers a lifelong result, it is always a gradual process. My relationship with food has evolved with time,” Bhumi signed off.

Bhumi has an interesting line-up of films that includes ‘Badhaai Do’, ‘Mr Lele’ and ‘Raksha Bandhan’.

ALSO READ-Bhumi offers help for ‘Covid affected’

READ MORE-Climate Change: Bhumi urges people to think about making a difference

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Bollywood Environment Lite Blogs

Climate Change: Bhumi urges people to think about making a difference

Flash floods, drought, forest fires, disease outbreaks, mass extinction. Instead of regenerating our planet we are putting billions into finding our next home/planet.”…reports Asian Lite News.

Actress Bhumi Pednekar is always bothered about environment and climate crisis. Now she took to social media to express her concern about the impact of climate change on our planet. The actress highlights the necessity to regenerate Earth, which is heating up owing to climate change.

Bhumi, who has been vocal about climate change, tweeted: “Climate Change is real. We have accelerated it to levels of heavy repercussions. Our planet is heating up. Flash floods, drought, forest fires, disease outbreaks, mass extinction. Instead of regenerating our planet we are putting billions into finding our next home/planet.”

Commenting on the actress’ tweet, netizens shared their opinion.

“The manufacturing of clothes that we wear are polluting our water bodies. We are destroying rain forests just to make luxury apartments and also with that animal habitats also reducing. Climate change is not related with finding home over other planet. We need to expand our horizon and stop using things that are responsible for climate change,” commented a user.

“Each individual needs to think how he or she can make a difference. Cannot have best of both worlds. So, are we ready to turn off our AC, use bicycle instead of car staring today?” shared another user.

On the work front, the actress will feature alongside Akshay Kumar in the upcoming film, “Raksha Bandhan” directed by Aanand L. Rai.

She also has “Badhaai Do” with Rajkummar Rao and “Mr Lele” with Vicky Kaushal lined up.

ALSO READ-Bhumi wants to make some changes

READ MORE-Bhumi offers help for ‘Covid affected’

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

Bhumi offers help for ‘Covid affected’

Recently, Sonu Sood, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Arjun Rampal, Manish Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor, and Rohit Saraf, among others had tested positive for COVID-19…reports Asian Lite News.

Bollywood stars were continuously getting infected with Covid 19 in the last few weeks. After recently recovering from the novel coronavirus, Bollywood star Bhumi Pednekar on Monday took up the mantle of a “COVID warrior” and extended support to her fans and followers on social media.
The ‘Bala’ actor took to her Instagram handle and asked her fans to DM her if they are in genuine need of medical supply.

Sharing a statement Bhumi wrote, “#COVIDWARRIOR Dear All, As we move into the second wave of COVID-19 across India, I have created a highlight where I will be identifying resources to enable facilitation & access to medical supplies, plasma request and donors as the case may be.”
She asked fans to support her and continued, “While I am trying my level best to verify the numbers/contacts which are shared with me on a rampant & daily basis, there might be some numbers which may turn out to be fake. In the event that you find any information here not helpful/fake, please do let me know & I will immediately remove the same.”


Instilling the people with hope, she added, “This initiative is my small contribution to the huge battle that lies ahead to us. Please be patient & don’t lose hope! We’re in this together. Love, Bhumi.”

Bhumi had tested positive for COVID-19 on April 5 and was under home quarantine until she finally tested negative on April 17.
The second wave of coronavirus has infected many people, and the number of COVID-19 positive cases has been rapidly rising. In Bollywood, an array of celebrities have got infected within a span of a few weeks.
Recently, Sonu Sood, Neil Nitin Mukesh, Arjun Rampal, Manish Malhotra, Akshay Kumar, Govinda, Paresh Rawal, Arjun Rampal, Ranbir Kapoor, and Rohit Saraf, among others had tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier, Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Malaika Arora, and some others were also infected with the virus.
Meanwhile, on the work front, Bhumi, who was last seen in Amazon Prime’s horror thriller ‘Durgamati’, will be soon seen in her upcoming rom-com drama ‘Badhaai Do’ opposite Rajkummar Rao.
The movie directed by Harshavardhan Kulkarni is slated for a September release this year. Besides this, she also has Karan Johar’s multi-starrer ‘Takht’ in the pipeline.

Also Read-Bhumi roped in for ‘KeepGirlsInSchool’ mission

Read More-Bhumi wants to make some changes

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Bollywood Lite Blogs

‘Trust me this is harder than we think’

On Monday Bhumi informed Instagram that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and is living in isolation…reports Asian Lite News.

Following Akshay, Govinda and Vicky Bhumi Pednekar also tested Covid positive in the last week. Actress Bhumi Pednekar, who is currently battling Covid-19, took to Instagram on Tuesday to express gratitude to fans and followers for their wishes, prayers and concern.

The actress also requested everyone not to step out amid the second wave of the pandemic, and warned them saying it is a lot harder than they could imagine.

“Hello all… I am so overwhelmed by all the love that’s being poured in.. thank you for keeping me in your prayers. Sorry I haven’t had a chance to reply back to your messages, calls or dms. I have spent yesterday sleeping and recovering. Just want to say stay at home and step out only if it’s really necessary. Follow protocol. Trust me this is a lot harder than you can imagine. You don’t want to get sick. #Covid-19,” Bhumi wrote on Instagram Story.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNRc8BsBe41/

On Monday Bhumi informed Instagram that she has tested positive for Covid-19 and is living in isolation.

“As of today, I have mild symptoms, but am feeling ok and have isolated myself. I am following the protocol given by my doctor and health professionals. If you have been in contact with me, request you to please get tested immediately,” Bhumi shared on Monday.

Also Read-Bhumi wants to make some changes

Read More-Bhumi roped in for ‘KeepGirlsInSchool’ mission

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Education Lite Blogs

‘Period education is must for girls’

Being a part of this change and seeing them rediscover their confidence and zeal is quite overwhelming…Bhumi speaks with Puja Gupta.

Its astonishing that still girls are being hindered to get education in the rural areas only because of menstruation. Prioritizing period education and protection is the key to ensuring more and more girls continue to stay in school, says Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar.

The actress has been actively participating in the nationwide movement #KeepGirlsInSchool campaign by Whisper, in collaboration with UNESCO. The campaign aims to help keep 90 lakh girls in school and was mobilised to raise awareness and impact young girls, reaching over 5.5 crore people.

Almost 10 lakh people supported Whisper’s petition to integrate a period and puberty education module in school curriculum, which is currently being developed in partnership with UNESCO.

Sharing her excitement on having a positive impact on girls’ future, Bhumi Pednekar said,”Having closely worked with Whisper and UNESCO for their #KeepGirlsInSchool movement, I have personally seen how confident young girls are once they understand periods and how to manage them. Being a part of this change and seeing them rediscover their confidence and zeal is quite overwhelming.

It took me back to my adolescent years that were filled with dreams and ambition that education empowered me to achieve. Reaching over 5.5 crore people and helping keep 90 lakh girls in school to fulfill their dreams is extraordinary. Prioritising period education and protection is the key to ensuring more and more girls continue to stay in school. It was inspirational to see how, together, we can help shape the foundational years of our future generations.”

Eric Falt, Director and UNESCO Representative to Bhutan, India, Maldives and Sri Lanka, said,”Managing menstruation with safety, dignity and comfort is essential to ensure gender equality, good health, quality education, and related human rights. In order to achieve these goals, it is imperative that all children and young people have access to age-appropriate comprehensive puberty education and a supportive environment at home and in schools.

UNESCO and Whisper are committed to work with the education sector, civil society and other partners to ensure that everyone has access to puberty education and menstrual hygiene management resources. I am positive that the impact we have seen through the #KeepGirlsInSchool movement will only grow multifold in our partnership with Whisper.”

Why the first two days of your periods are a mess. (Photo Courtesy: Pixabay)

Also Read-Bhumi roped in for ‘KeepGirlsInSchool’ mission

Chetna Soni, Category Leader — Feminine Care, P&G Indian sub-continent, on the success of the campaign said,”Economic emancipation of women starts with education. Whisper, being a force for female good, is committed to ensuring that all girls can confidently go to school even during their periods and continue pursuing their dreams. #KeepGirlsInSchool started as a campaign to drive awareness about the issue of girls dropping out of school at puberty, and stop girls from giving up on a life full of possibilities that education can unlock for them.

It is heart-warming to see that it has transformed into a national movement for girl child education and empowerment. We are a brand that puts purpose at the heart of its functioning and that has resonated with the citizens of India. Our aim is to enable this change at a grassroot level, which is why we are working with UNESCO to integrate our period education module as part of school curriculum. We need to work together to change what periods represent to many — from shame to strength and pride; and we are proud to be leading this change.”

Also Read-Tips to lose weight on a PCOS diet

Read More-Why Painful Periods?

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Lite Blogs Woman

Bhumi wants to make some changes

Bhumi celebrates Diwali with sparkle.
Bhumi says that she refuses to accept the “beauty standard” set for women…reports Asian Lite News.

Bhumi is always in the limelight, not only in films but also in the relevant social issues and concerns. From playing an overweight girl in “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” to a character battling patriarchy in “Sonchiriya”, actress Bhumi Pednekar says she refuses to abide by the image of the quintessential Bollywood actress.

Bhumi adds that she wants to change the way people think about women through these roles.

“For many, it has always been about the outer physical beauty. But gone are those days when people were concerned (about only that). My thing was that it doesn’t matter. I am going to change your definition of what a quintessential Hindi film female actor is all about,” she says.

She adds: “We are all in this profession — the idea is to perform all these different parts and be part of these amazing stories that move people, bring about a change. That is exactly what I am going to do.”

Bhumi says that she refuses to accept the “beauty standard” set for women.

“I want to create a beauty standard of my own and that is exactly what I am trying to do. Through my cinema, I really want to bring about a change. I want people to love themselves, I want people to be more accepting of who they are, I want to entertain my audiences for sure and that is my number one priority. I want to leave them with a thought, a positive thought, a thought that will make their world a better place,” she says.

Also Read-Bhumi inspires fans to be healthy

Read More-Bhumi roped in for ‘KeepGirlsInSchool’ mission