'Badhaai Do' Turns One: Bhumi Pednekar Shares Why The Film Is Special For Her

Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar's 'Badhaai Do' marks the one-year anniversary of its release today. The film was a success when it was released; in addition, it dominated the top 10 most-watched releases on OTT, coming in at number one.

For her sensitive portrayal of a lesbian woman in the movie, Pednekar won numerous awards. The actor intended for Badhaai Do to serve as a platform for her advocacy of India’s LGBTQIA+ community’s rights. She says, "I've never thought of myself as being merely an actor. I have a lot of respect for the medium of cinema. I believe that movies can have an impact on culture and society, and through most of my films, I've tried to spark a discussion about the need to comprehend the root causes of problems and perhaps look for a workable solution. I try to engage audiences, the Indian people, in meaningful dialogue about important issues through my films."

Bhumi Pednekar on Badhaai Do One Year Anniversary

She added, "Badhaai Do is one such movie that holds a very special place in my heart. I've put a lot of effort into empowering the LGBTQIA+ community. I have family and friends who are LGBTQIA+, and although I've been a part of their journey, there have been times when I've felt helpless because I didn't know how to express my sympathy or love for them. That's when the movie happened."

Image Credit: Bhumi Pednekar/ Instagram

The movie was released at the height of COVID-19 when major theatre districts were closed, theatres were running at 50% capacity, and there were no nighttime shows. But Badhaai Do keep drawing audiences to the theatres.

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"If the movie had come out now after COVID-19 had passed, I believe it would have performed much better financially," says the actor. The movie Badhaai Do is a sequel to the Ayushmann Khurrana-starring film Badhaai Ho. Rajkummar Rao also posted a deleted scene from the movie to his Instagram account to mark the occasion.

Pednekar's upcoming projects include the movies Bheed by Anubhav Sinha, The Lady Killer by Ajay Bahl, Afwaa by Sudhir Mishra, Bhakshak by Gauri Khan, and Mere Husband Ki Biwi by Mudassar Aziz.