Bhumi Pednekar has carved a niche for herself in the film industry with her diverse and nuanced performances. However, it’s her intriguing personal stories that often capture attention. In a recent episode of mid-day’s Sit With Hitlist, Bhumi shared an unexpected revelation about her family: she and fellow actor Randeep Hooda are actually distant cousins, both hailing from Haryana.
Discussing her connection to Randeep, Bhumi confirmed this long-standing rumor with genuine warmth. “We are related, albeit distantly, through my mother’s side,” she explained, shedding light on their familial bond. “The Hoodas originate from a specific region in Haryana, which ties us together, as my mother is from Haryana and my maternal lineage traces back to the Hoodas.”
Bhumi fondly recalled her first encounter with Randeep during a family wedding when she was just a child. “I remember attending my mama’s wedding when I was quite young, not even a teenager. At that time, ‘Monsoon Wedding’ had just come out, and it was significant because he was a friend of my mama. I have vivid memories of him at that wedding. Randeep is an exceptional actor, and that was a remarkable film.”
In another candid moment, Bhumi reminisced about her encounter with the iconic Shah Rukh Khan. Though some details of that meeting have faded, the impact it had on her was profound. “Much of our conversation is a bit hazy now, but his invitation was unforgettable. It was remarkable how he made everyone feel welcomed and loved,” she reflected.
Bhumi emphasized the qualities that struck her most during their interaction. “When you meet someone of his stature, you seek to learn. His humility is truly impressive. While he converses with you, he gives you his full attention, regardless of who else is around—that’s respect and character.”
She also noted that the tales of Shah Rukh’s graciousness are indeed true. “We’ve heard legendary accounts of how he treats people, and they are all accurate.”
Bhumi even shared a light-hearted moment when she hesitated about celebrity etiquette. She recalled waiting for Shah Rukh Khan to leave before instructing her driver not to move the car, unsure of the proper protocol around someone of his stature. Through these anecdotes, Bhumi illustrated not just her admiration for talented actors like Randeep and Shah Rukh, but also for their remarkable humility that leaves a lasting impression.