Bhumi Pednekar reveals her diet and cheat meals: ‘I turned vegetarian five years ago’

Q. A decade in the industry — how would you describe your journey?

Bhumi Pednekar: It’s been a journey of discovery and resilience. My debut was quite unconventional. When I filmed Dum Laga Ke Haisha, I was just a girl from Mumbai with big dreams and no film-family connections. But having worked at Yash Raj Films in casting, I’d seen the mechanics of cinema before facing the camera.

Over these ten years, I’ve taken on roles that challenged me, from small-town stories to women-led social dramas. I’ve grown not just as an actor but as a person who values impact. There have been highs and quiet phases, but each taught me to stay grounded and keep evolving.

If I had to sum it up, I’d say from dreaming big to digging deep, the decade has been both a celebration and a commitment.

Q. What eco-friendly changes have you made in your own life?

Bhumi Pednekar: For me, change truly began at home. My initiative, Climate Warrior, helped me realise that awareness must be backed by action. Over the years, I’ve made several conscious shifts — I turned vegetarian five years ago, and my mother and I now grow our own vegetables in a small hydroponic garden. We segregate waste, recycle, avoid single-use plastics, stick to refillable steel bottles, and follow a “garden to table” mindset.

These may seem small, but collectively they make a big difference.

Q. You recently collaborated with Ketto to support flood-hit families in Jammu. What inspired that?

Bhumi Pednekar: Visiting Jammu after the floods was heartbreaking. Entire communities were cut off, homes destroyed, and winter was approaching fast. I wanted to go beyond immediate relief and help rebuild lives.

That’s how my collaboration with Ketto came about, to ensure long-term rehabilitation and infrastructure rebuilding for affected families. The idea was to create a sustained effort to direct resources toward rebuilding essential infrastructure and restoring normalcy.

Q. Why did you choose crowdfunding for this initiative?

Bhumi Pednekar: It makes giving collective, accessible, and meaningful. Everyone can participate, not just a few. Crowdfunding creates transparency and community; people can see their contributions directly impacting lives.

Q. You’re deeply involved in social causes. How do you balance that with your career?

Bhumi Pednekar: It’s a balancing act, but I see my activism as part of who I am, not something extra. When I became an actor, I promised myself I’d use my platform for more than films.

I plan my schedule carefully. Even if I have just one hour to spare, I make it count; consistency matters more than scale.

Q. What guides your film choices?

Bhumi Pednekar: Always the story and character. I ask myself: Does this role challenge me, or does it say something meaningful? I’ve done varied genres, but I want each character to have depth and purpose.

Sometimes I’ve picked films that scared me, and those have taught me the most. I balance artistic risk with commercial reality, but I never want to stop growing.

Q. You’re known as a sustainability advocate. How do you practise it on film sets?

Bhumi Pednekar: Through Climate Warrior, I aim to promote conscious filmmaking — zero waste, low carbon emissions, and mindful consumption. Sustainability isn’t glamorous; it’s a consistent effort.

For me, acting, advocacy, and impact aren’t separate lanes; they’re part of one journey.

Q. What does your diet look like?

Bhumi Pednekar: Breakfast is light but wholesome – oats, smoothie bowls, or poha. Lunch and dinner are simple home-style meals with dals, pulses, and sabzi.

My cheat meals include vada pav, chole bhature, and pizza! Discipline most days means indulgence becomes joy, not guilt.

Q. And your workout routine?

Bhumi Pednekar: Working out is non-negotiable. It’s for mental clarity as much as fitness. I train five to six days a week with a mix of strength, cardio, and yoga. Rest and recovery are just as important as the workout itself.

Q. How do you start your day?

Bhumi Pednekar: In silence. I spend a few minutes in gratitude, breathe deeply, drink warm water, and soak in sunlight. If your morning is centred, your day follows suit.

Q. How do you navigate the lows of your career?

Bhumi Pednekar: In this industry, there are periods of oscillation: films that release and do well, films that don’t, personal expectations, and public scrutiny. I’ve had my share of nights lying awake, questioning my choices, feeling the weight of uncertainty. What helps me: building a support system around me — friends, family, therapy when needed, along with embracing rest and self-care: if you’re mentally burnt out, creativity suffers. I’ve learnt that vulnerability is strength. It’s okay to be unsure, to pause, to recalibrate. The ‘highs’ are wonderful, but the ‘lows’ teach you more about your character, your motivations. I try to listen to that, not shy away from it.

Q. One thing people don’t know about you?

Bhumi Pednekar: That I’m a total homebody. I love reading, gardening with my mum, and spending quiet evenings with family.

Q. If not an actor, what would you be?

Bhumi Pednekar: Probably working in public policy or running my own beauty business. I love makeup and entrepreneurship.

Curated For You

Since PoK is part of India, cross-LoC trade is intra-state trade: High Court

In a change of tack, why BJP is making a Muslim outreach in Bengal before 2026 polls

Wolf attacks haunt UP’s Bahraich again — five-year-old is latest victim