Bollywood

Bhumi Pednekar Reveals Handling Trolls and Body Image Concerns, “I Appear Different, And There Are Now Various Opinions”

By Shivani

October 16, 2025

Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, who gained weight for her debut film Dum Laga Ke Haisha, has since focused on improving her physical fitness. She recently opened up about her journey and the challenges she faced with body image. Bhumi addressed the criticism surrounding her appearance and shared her thoughts on balancing physical and mental health. Emphasising the importance of self-acceptance, she spoke about how societal beauty standards often create unnecessary pressure. Her experience reflects a powerful message of resilience and confidence, inspiring others to embrace their authentic selves while maintaining a healthy relationship with their bodies and overall well-being. 

Bhumi Pednekar on Facing and Overcoming Body Image Challenges

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Bhumi opened up about her journey of overcoming body image struggles. The actress shared: “I believe that things often don’t go as planned. This is largely due to the environment in which we grew up, where we faced various types of remarks. However, it’s essential to learn to appreciate yourself, and that takes time.”

She continued: “It has taken me considerable time, and I still experience moments of sadness regarding certain issues. Nevertheless, I have established a routine that helps me stay grounded. For me, physical wellness is intertwined with mental wellness. It’s not solely about external appearances.”

 

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Bhumi spoke about the importance of self-acceptance, noting that “It’s also about how you feel on the inside. Whenever I engage in a workout regimen, I spend a lot of time reminding myself that I’m doing this for my body. I pursue this because I aim to be in peak condition. I want to enjoy a longer life. I find immense mental clarity every time I go for a run or take a walk. That’s the only way to truly care for yourself.”

Shaping Up: A Fitness Story

The actress, who put on weight for Dum Laga Ke Haisha, opened up about her fitness journey and the criticism she has received about her appearance. “The reality is that I have experienced both extremes. There was a period when I weighed 96 kg, and there were comments then. Now, I have a different appearance, and there are comments now. The truth is that I am in the public eye, and that’s acceptable. I am here for the audience. I hear everything they say, but ultimately, I do what feels right for me,” she concluded.

On the work front, Bhumi will star in Daldal on Amazon Prime Video, while the second season of The Royals is also in development. She was last seen in the web series The Royals.