Bhumi Pednekkar asks crowd at NSD's Bharat Rang Mahotsav in Delhi: Saanwle log pretty nahi hote kya?

Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar visits National School of Drama and shares insights with students, as part of the Advitiya stage at 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

Actor Bhumi Satish Pednekkar’s work as a casting director is known to most, but few are aware that this is what had once led her to the gates of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Mandi House, Delhi. Recently, the actor returned to the institute to be part of Advitiya stage at the ongoing 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav, for a session titled Shubh Mangal Abhiyaan with NSD director, Chittaranjan Tripathy.

Chittaranjan Tripathy, director of NSD, and actor Bhumi Satish Pednekkar during the conversation titled Shubh Mangal Abhiyaan. (Photo: Raajessh Kashyap/HT)

During the Q&A, Bhumi was asked by an audience member, “Aap onscreen bahut saanwli dikhti hain par real mein aap itni pretty kaise hain?” To this, Bhumi replied: “Toh saanwle log pretty nahin hote? (Aren't wheatish complexioned people, pretty?) Meri film Bala poori issi conversation pe hai.”

Speaking at the session, actor Bhumi Satish Pednekkar revealed how she was once denied entry to NSD; when she visited as a casting director.

'I was denied entry to NSD'

Sharing nuggets of wisdom with the students, Bhumi said, “Jab aap ek institute mein hote hain toh ek bubble mein rehte hain. Jab aap bahari duniya mein jatein hain, yeh bubble tootta hai... Bahari duniya mein corruption aani bahut easy ho jati hai. As an artiste mere mein bhi corruption aayi thi.”

On transformation

Bhumi’s physical transformation in her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015) still intrigues several young actors. When asked about it, she stated, “Mera physical aur emotional transformation is not for shock value, but for my own craft... Mujhe apni pehli film mein realise hua, iski power kya hai.”

Tête-à-tête

Backstage, in a candid chat with HT City, Bhumi said, “I always had this idea of what the NSD campus would look like. And I have to tell you, it is beautiful and bursting with creative energy. I’m so jealous of all the students who have had the opportunity to live and educate themselves here. So, it really feels like an achievement for me, as an actor, to have been invited to be a part of this discussion.”

Story by Mehaa Aneja

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