Bhumi Pednekar highlighted how OTT platforms are reshaping opportunities for women in Indian cinema, enabling them to take on stronger, more diverse, and courageous roles.
Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi 2026 (IFFD) in New Delhi, she noted that women-led narratives have gained prominence due to OTT, which provides the right platform for such stories. She emphasized that women have always been bold in choosing scripts, but digital platforms have amplified their voices and visibility.
Pednekar praised Delhi for hosting the festival, calling it a deserving location for an international event of this scale.
She expressed admiration for the high level of organization, participation, and programming in its very first year, highlighting the presence of filmmakers, actors, seminars, and screenings as indicators of its success.
Reflecting on longevity in the film industry, Pednekar advised against chasing relevance, describing it as temporary and exhausting.
Instead, she encouraged artists to stay true to their craft, focus on self-discovery, and continuously practice their skills (“riyaz”) to sustain artistic growth.
According to her, understanding one’s true talent and nurturing it consistently is more important than trying to remain in the spotlight.
She also spoke candidly about health and self-care, particularly for women in the industry.
Pednekar acknowledged the physical demands of acting, such as frequent weight fluctuations for roles, and explained that these become harder to manage with age.
She shared that she has reduced such drastic changes in recent years, choosing instead to prioritize her overall health and well-being.
She stressed that at a certain stage, maintaining physical health becomes more important than transforming the body for roles.
Offering advice to aspiring women actors, Pednekar addressed concerns about safety in the film industry, stating that while it is often perceived as risky, many women have built successful and secure careers.
She encouraged young aspirants to pursue their dreams despite rejection, listen to positive guidance, and develop the ability to distinguish between trustworthy and harmful influences through experience.
The week-long IFFD, which began on March 25 at Bharat Mandapam, features film screenings, discussions, and industry interactions, bringing together global talent and audiences in a vibrant cultural exchange. (ANI)
