CREDITS:
Photographer & Videographer: Mohamed Sadek
Stylist: Manisha Melwani
Location Courtesy: The Peninsula New York
Make-up: Robert Reyes
Hair: Raina D. Leon
Jewellery: Tanishq
1st AC: Neilsen Tam
Lighting Tech: Tristan deBrauwere
Digital Tech: Evi Manson
Styling Assistant: Niambi Moore
Shoes: Oroh
Production: FSP Productions
Executed by: CS Projects, Ben Clark-Spear & Talalima Mobley
Wardrobe: Falguni Shane Peacock
In an exclusive conversation, the actor, activist, and now entrepreneur talks about her journey of growth—reflecting with honesty and heart on what it means to stay authentic and create real impact along the way.
Bhumi Satish Pednekkar is a rare force in contemporary Indian cinema. She is an actor, entrepreneur and activist whose choices consistently have and continue to challenge convention and redefine purpose. Since her debut in Dum Laga Ke Haisha, Bhumi has carved a niche for herself as an artist unafraid of authenticity, taking on roles that speak of courage, resilience and rebellion. Her performances often mirror her own belief system—honest, empathetic and deeply rooted in social consciousness.
Beyond cinema, Bhumi’s voice carries weight. As the founder of Climate Warrior, her advocacy for environmental awareness and sustainability has positioned her as one of India’s leading voices on climate change. One to never hold back, she uses her influence to spark dialogue, dismantle myths around sustainability and encourage conscious living—all of it with the conviction that change is around the corner and it begins with accountability.
In the entrepreneurial sphere, Bhumi continues to lead with intent through Backbay, her purpose-driven water brand built on design, quality and sustainability. For her, her simple box of Backbay water is an extension of her core values, with which she is setting out to disrupt the market.
Through every facet of her journey, Bhumi embodies authenticity. Whether on screen, in business, or through activism, she stands for a culture of consciousness—one where empathy and excellence coexist. Grounded yet fearless, she represents a generation that refuses to separate art from advocacy, ambition from integrity. Bhumi Satish Pednekkar is here to shape a legacy of impact and teach a thing or two on how being real is her greatest superpower.
Read on for excerpts from her candid chat with The Peacock Magazine.
Q) You began your journey with a film that challenged beauty standards. Looking back, how do you see that choice shaping the kind of actor — and woman — you’ve become?
Bhumi Satish Pednekkar (BSP): Oh, absolutely! I think a large part of who I am today is shaped by my debut film. It gave me the courage and clarity to carve out my own space in an otherwise crowded industry—one where opportunities for women are often limited, both in terms of characters and scripts. In that chaos, I was determined to create a niche for myself and Dum Laga Ke Haisha paved the way for it. That’s when I realised that being unconventional would be my superpower—and it continues to reflect in almost everything I do, whether it’s my work on-screen or off-screen, my fashion choices, or simply the person I’ve become.
Q) How has your relationship with fame evolved in the last decade? Has visibility changed your sense of purpose?
BSP: When I started out, fame to me was more about validation—a reassurance that my work mattered as I tried to carve a space for myself. Every clap, every word of appreciation meant the world because it made me feel like I belonged. Today, fame feels very different. It’s more about responsibility. I’ve come to realise that it gives me access to a platform—one that can amplify voices, causes and ideas I deeply believe in. Fame now carries a stronger sense of purpose for me. In many ways, it’s become a reflection of my journey—how far I’ve come since I first started. More than anything, I see it as a window to reach people, build a community to have meaningful, positive conversations that create real impact.
Q) You’ve played socially rooted roles that often mirror your real-world activism. How do you draw the line between performance and personal conviction?
BSP: Honestly, for me, I don’t think there can ever be a hard line. The characters I’ve portrayed often embody rebellion and courage—they question the status quo, and that comes from a place I deeply resonate with. I’ve always said that my art carries a sense of advocacy, and I take pride in the fact that, over the last decade, I’ve built both a space and a credibility where people genuinely listen to me. I want to keep growing that community. Many of the roles I’ve played—whether it’s a woman fighting for her sanitation rights, identity, freedom, safety, or liberation—are rooted in themes that are universal. They resonate with people across the world because they speak of shared human experiences. That’s why my performances often feel very personal to me. It’s hard for me to separate Bhumi, the person, from the characters I play, because our belief systems tend to align. That said, I never want to box myself in. I’d love to explore characters whose morals I may not relate to—because, at the end of the day, I’m an actor. Not everything needs to be noble or “good”. There will come a time when I take on a negative role, and when that happens, I’ll have to let go of some of my inhibitions and personal beliefs.
Q) Do you think Bollywood today rewards authenticity more than perfection, both on-screen and off?
BSP: Absolutely! I feel Bollywood today is in an era that truly celebrates authenticity—because that’s what the audience wants. And I’ve seen this first hand; I’ve learned and realised that there’s nothing more valuable than being your own authentic self. Usually, actors were treated like products rolling off a conveyor belt. But I think what my colleagues and I are trying to do now is break that mould. Yes, I’ve had my own personal journey—moments where I felt I had lost myself. But it’s been the audience, my well-wishers and my own self-belief that reminded me that my authenticity is precious. And I want to celebrate it, enjoy it and make sure that my truest, most authentic self shines brightest in front of the audience.
Q) What has been the most defining moment in your career that made you realise you’re more than just an actor and that you have a voice people actually listen to?
BSP: I think that realisation came to me with my second film, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha. That’s when I understood that the film played a significant role in the larger movement towards making India open-defecation-free. It made me realise that, as an actor, I have a platform, a voice, and most importantly, the trust of people who actually want to listen. That awareness led me to start Climate Warrior, my advocacy platform focused on climate change and its adverse effects on the environment. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I also initiated Covid Warrior, and over time, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with organisations like the UNDP and the World Economic Forum. These associations and opportunities have come my way because I’m an actor with a voice, and that’s deeply humbling. It also makes me aware of the responsibility that comes with it. Everything I say, whether good, bad, or uncomfortable, must come from a place of thoughtfulness, not impulse.
Q) When did sustainability stop being a talking point and start being a way of life for you? Was there a specific turning point?
BSP: For me, sustainability has always been a lifestyle I’ve been drawn to and care deeply about. Many of the choices I’ve made when I was young, even before I became an actor, naturally aligned with that way of living. My relationship with climate awareness began in school. I remember being curious about what climate change really meant—what it meant for our planet to be “warming up” and what its consequences could be. Back then, it felt like a distant problem, something that might affect future generations but not ours. The reality, of course, is that my generation is dealing with it, right now! I also think there are a lot of myths around sustainability that I’m constantly trying to challenge—like the idea that it’s inconvenient or that it demands sacrifice and compromise. It’s actually not. Just two generations ago, Indian culture was inherently sustainable. Living consciously doesn’t mean giving up the things you love; it simply means making better choices. For instance, avoiding plastic in daily life isn’t just good for the planet; it’s better for your health too. It’s really about being mindful of how and what you choose every day.
Q) You’ve spoken about how small choices add up. What’s one everyday practice that genuinely makes you feel like you’re doing your bit for the planet?
BSP: I think the simplest place for anyone to start is by cutting out single-use plastic. I’m very conscious of that myself. In my household, we actively avoid using single-use plastic and whatever little does come in, we make sure it’s recycled. It’s really about small, mindful habits—like carrying your own water. Even though I have my own beverage and water brand, I still prefer bringing water from home. Whenever I have access to clean drinking water, I use it instead of buying packaged bottles. The idea is to be intentional about your choices—avoiding single-use cutlery, plastic bags, straws, and so on. As actors, we also receive a lot of PR packaging, and I make it a point to recycle all of it. I also love thrifting, vintage shopping and upcycling. In fact, the Indian design and fashion industry is inherently sustainable. I’m not talking about fast fashion, but about our rich textiles, homegrown brands and indigenous craftsmanship. That, to me, is the true essence of sustainability. India has so much to offer in that space. The whole Make in India movement beautifully captures that spirit.
Q) How do you stay patient with the pace of change when it comes to climate awareness, especially in India, where convenience often trumps conscience?
BSP: I strongly believe that cultural change takes time. India is a land where nature has always been revered—we literally call her Mother Nature. I have complete faith that if our citizens are reminded of this deep-rooted cultural belief, of how deeply we’re connected to nature, we’ll see a massive shift in mindset and action. That’s what I aim to do through all my platforms. I’m an optimist, and I strongly believe that change is just around the corner. India is already a climate-positive nation in many ways, with several forward-thinking environmental policies. Just look at the solar revolution—we’ve been pioneers in that space. I’m very confident that India will continue to headline the global fight against climate change.
Q) If you could change one thing about how the entertainment industry operates in terms of sustainability, what would it be?
BSP: I think the first step is accountability. Right now, there’s a real lack of it, especially when it comes to the sustainability index of various industries, which I believe is incredibly important. The truth is, our industry is quite unsustainable—there’s extensive use of plastic and other non-eco-friendly materials. But if we start recycling effectively and maintain proper data on things like carbon footprint, recyclability and reusability, it would give people a clearer picture of their impact. That kind of awareness would be a great place to start.
Q) Tell us about the thought process behind stepping into entrepreneurship with Backbay. What kind of business do you want to build — one that’s profitable, purposeful, or both?
BSP: Backbay was born out of purpose. We realised there was a gap in the Indian beverage industry—a lack of a brand that embodied the values we believed in: design-led thinking, sustainability and uncompromising quality. At that point, the reason we thought of water was because we were surrounded by endless plastic variants. Through my fair share of research, I discovered just how harmful plastic bottles are because they’re filled with endocrine disruptors and other toxins that are extremely damaging to the body. That’s when it struck me: there wasn’t a strong, durable, travel-friendly, and toxin-free option in the premium water category. That realisation became the foundation of Backbay. Every box we create will reflect our core values—strong design and exceptional quality. We want to disrupt the market in every possible way while staying true to our promise: our products will always be free of nasties and toxic chemicals.
Q) How are you translating your values as an environmental advocate into your brand’s philosophy?
BSP: We always say we’re not the perfect solution, but we’re a solution that’s constantly evolving towards perfection. Everything about our box reflects that commitment—from our bio-cap to our FSC-certified paperboard packaging (which makes up most of the box), to its recyclability and the fact that it has one of the lowest carbon footprints among water packaging formats. These were conscious choices, perfectly aligned with our value system and what we’re building with Backbay. Our guiding principle is simple: be good to the planet, to communities and to our bodies. We want to make better choices desirable, not feel like a compromise or a sacrifice. We want people to start thinking about what they consume, because honestly, most don’t. That’s why the beverage industry is flooded with sugar-laden drinks sold for cheap but packed with toxins and chemicals. They’re basically health hazards disguised in bottles, cans, and cartons.
Q) Does being an entrepreneur feel more vulnerable than being an actor, since this time the script is yours to write?
BSP: Oh, absolutely! As an actor, you’re bringing someone else’s vision to life. But as an entrepreneur, I am the vision. There’s no character to hide behind. Every decision I make reflects my resilience, my values, my morals, my beliefs, and my ethics. It’s equal parts terrifying and thrilling. And honestly, I’m learning to enjoy that vulnerability, because for the first time, I’m writing the story entirely on my own.
Q) What’s the biggest lesson you’ve borrowed from cinema or your personal life that now applies to your entrepreneurial journey?
BSP: I think one of the biggest lessons I’ve carried from cinema into entrepreneurship is that intention is everything. In cinema, if you’re not honest, it shows on screen. And in entrepreneurship, if your intentions aren’t clean, people will eventually see through that, too. I’ve also learned resilience—being an actor has taught me to navigate highs and lows, and that’s prepared me well for my journey as an entrepreneur, because I know this path will come with its own share of both. Cinema has also made me deeply empathetic. I’ve always been an empath, but today, I feel like I’m an empath with purpose—and that sense of empathy will be at the core of my entrepreneurial journey.
Q) You’ve always been unapologetic about your choices, be it any sphere of your life. Has that confidence ever been tested by failure, fatigue, or self-doubt?
BSP: Of course, there’s been doubt. I don’t think confidence means the absence of doubt; it’s about moving forward despite it. For me, that’s what true confidence is. There have been many moments when I’ve questioned my path, especially when people misunderstood me or questioned my choices. But that’s when I realised how important it is to stay authentic and true to my own vision. I’d rather fail on my own terms than try to fit into someone else’s idea of perfection. I’m also done and exhausted chasing validation from everyone and everything. I think I’m unique and my path is different. As I’ve said before, I want to celebrate that in every way possible because nobody else can be me, and I don’t ever want to be anybody else.
Q) Who or what grounds you when the noise gets too loud—the work, your people, or your purpose?
BSP: What grounds me, like anyone else, is my family. They constantly remind me that success is fleeting, but integrity lasts a lifetime. Whenever I feel lost, I ask myself why I chose this path, or perhaps, why this path chose me. There are so many people who want to be where I am today, and yet I am given this opportunity–why? So, I often pause to remind myself and reflect on the journey that’s brought me here. That reflection keeps me grounded, gives me strength and grit, and fills me with pride for how far I’ve come and what I have achieved. In fact, I believe that every woman should celebrate her journey, her growth and everything she’s achieved–a lot more and loudly.
Q) If you had to describe the Bhumi Satish Pednekkar of 2025 (after a decade in the industry) in one line, what would it be?
BSP: I think the Bhumi of 2025 is a woman who is transitioning.
Q) Finally, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind as an artist, an environmentalist, and now, an entrepreneur?
BSP: I want my legacy to be one of impact, where empathy and excellence coexist. I want to help build a culture of consciousness, a culture where people care about giving back. I hope the stories I tell continue to be watched and remembered by generations long after I’m gone. I want the institutions and organisations I create to reflect my values and everything I stand for. Each pillar of my life—my work, my advocacy, my entrepreneurship—should embody that spirit and be something I’m remembered for. I hope my stories continue to give women the voice and strength they need. I hope my entrepreneurial work builds a community where doing good and doing well go hand in hand. And above all, I hope that through my advocacy, I can help nurture a culture of just caring.