MOVIES, FASHION & LIFESTYLE

KJo’s films have real emotions: Bhumi Pednekar on her Takht director

Bhumi Pednekar embodies the fact that talent and hard work can make one a true, big success story. Bhumi stands out for her confidence and sheer range as an actor who has delivered outstanding performances. Bhumi’s dedication and hard work has seen her now bag Karan Johar’s magnum opus Takht – her biggest movie to date. Bhumi has, in fact, always been a huge fan of Karan’s movies, with the cult blockbuster Kuch Kuch Hota Hai having a really special place in her heart!

Bhumi says, “I loved and enjoyed Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. The film released when I was in school. I was literary 10 and it had such a big impact on me growing up because it honestly defined pop culture at that time. So, I went through that entire phase where I would dress up like Kajol with head bands, sweat bands and some days I would dress up as Raani ma’am too, like in short skirts and try to act like her.”

She adds, “I had that neckpiece that said ‘cool’. I remember dancing to Koi Mil Gaya at every birthday party or family get-togethers. I was borderline obsessed with the movie and made our building kids to be divided into Team Tina and Team Anjali at get-togethers! That was the level of impact the movie had. After seeing this movie, I also went for a summer camp which was very close to the one shown in the movie. Basically, I tried to do everything that Karan showed in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and wanted to live it!”

Bhumi is also a big fan of the last Karan directorial. “Another film that has stayed with me is Ae Dil Hai Mushkil – I really, really liked it. It speaks of a relationship where two friends are confused about their feelings. It was such a beautiful, mature love story that really moved me. I think Karan’s films are larger than life and aspirational yet at the same time, where the emotions are concerned, they are very real. You feel Karan’s films and the emotions linger on. I’m honoured and privileged that I have the opportunity to be directed by him and I will give it my all for him,” she says.