Actress Bhumi Pednekar, known for her versatile roles, last appeared in the Netflix series The Royals alongside Ishaan Khatter. Released in May, the show garnered mixed reactions and, despite its renewal for a second season due to a cliffhanger ending, Bhumi felt the sting of harsh criticism regarding her appearance and performance. This emotional toll led her to take a significant nine-month hiatus from acting.
In a candid interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Bhumi expressed how the trolling following The Royals’ release deeply affected her. “There was an overwhelming amount of trolling and bots. However, amidst that chaos, I also received constructive feedback. This experience prompted me to make some major life decisions for 2025, including stepping away from acting. I chose not to announce my break because I didn’t want to sensationalize it,” she shared.
Since her debut in 2014 with Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bhumi has undergone considerable physical transformations to fit her roles. She emphasized that these changes are not merely physical but also emotional and mental preparations for each character. “I felt emotionally drained and lost sight of my identity as an actor and a person. I needed to step back and reconnect with genuine supporters who offered meaningful guidance,” Bhumi reflected.
Discussing her silent retreat from the spotlight, she mentioned, “I haven’t stepped onto a set since June. Often, when actors take a break, it’s viewed negatively. But this was a conscious decision, and I believe it was the best choice for my well-being.” During this time, she immersed herself in reading, watching films, and even took a course at Harvard University, all while traveling to enrich her life experiences.
“I distanced myself from the film industry, returning signing amounts and declining cheques. It wasn’t just about turning down projects; I also minimized my media presence, saying no to award shows and fashion events. I wanted to test if I could exist independently—and I discovered that I can,” she said.
Bhumi admitted to her fears of mediocrity and the disconnection from authentic experiences. “I felt I had nothing genuine to contribute to my craft, which frightened me. I revisited my previous work because I was questioning my capabilities as an actor,” she admitted.
She noted that living in a bubble had made her numb to the realities of others’ lives. “It’s crucial for actors to step outside of that bubble. The experience was eye-opening. I’m thankful that audiences embraced The Royals. The silver lining was that I could reconnect with both Bhumi the individual and Bhumi the performer,” she expressed.
As she prepares to return to the film industry in March after her nine-month hiatus, Bhumi is excited about an upcoming courtroom drama focusing on the sexual violence faced by women and marginalized communities. “It’s a theatrical film I’ve been working on for the past two months, and I can’t wait to get back on set!” she concluded.