Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, known for her socially conscious films, has once again called on people to use their voices for positive change. Speaking at the annual Indian Chamber of Commerce event in Kolkata, Pednekar emphasized the power of having an opinion and urged individuals, particularly women, to speak out against injustice.
“Girls, have an opinion. It is so important to have a voice. Individuals that have an opinion and voice make people uncomfortable,” she stated, addressing the audience. Pednekar pointed out the challenges faced by those who dare to express their views, noting that they are often marginalised. “You will constantly be put into a corner. You will constantly be told, ‘Be quiet. You’re too big for your shoes. Kitni badi problem-maker hai. Har cheez me iska opinion hai,’” she said, quoting common criticisms directed at outspoken women.
Pednekar continued to stress the significance of collective action in creating a lasting societal impact. “That is the only way you will bring about change. Everything that impacts somebody else’s household, somebody else’s daughter, is going to impact us as well,” she added.
Drawing a connection to her latest work, Pednekar referenced a powerful line from her film Bhakshak, which deals with abuse at a shelter for young girls. “There is a line in my film where I tell my partner, ‘Agar kisi aur ki beti ke saath galat ho raha hai. Hamari beti ke saath galat hi hoga.’ [If something wrong is happening to someone else’s daughter, it will happen to our daughter too],” she said, urging the audience to watch the film on Netflix.
Pednekar concluded with a passionate call for unity, stating, “It is time that we all truly come together and make sure that change happens, and it happens now.”
Known for her roles in films that challenge societal norms, Bhumi Pednekar’s work often reflects her advocacy. In Dum Laga Ke Haisha, she portrayed a plus-size woman in a strained marriage. In Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, she left her husband due to the lack of sanitation in his home. She also played a homosexual character in Shubh Mangal Saavdhan and a journalist investigating abuse in Bhakshak.