Bhumi Pednekar on Navigating Trolling and Taking A Break in 2025: 'I Felt Depleted As An Actor'

Ahead of the highly anticipated release of her Prime Original crime-drama series Daldal, Bhumi Pednekar sat down for a remarkably candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, India.

After a decade of back-to-back projects, the actor revealed that she made the intentional choice to step away from the limelight in 2025. “I have been doing this for ten years, day in and day out,” she said, adding that the constant transition from one character to another took a mental and physical toll on her.

This exhaustion was compounded by the polarising reception of her Netflix series, The Royals (2025), in which she played the role of Sophia, opposite Ishaan Khatter as Maharaja Aviraaj. Despite the series being renewed for a second season, Pednekar’s portrayal of the character drew significant backlash. “When there is that much noise, you get numb,” she said, addressing the trolling. “There was a lot of constructive criticism as well,” she emphasised, adding that she took the time to sift through the vitriol for honest feedback. In order to build herself back up, she hasn't stepped on a film set since June of last year, even when it meant pulling out of a project—and it was the 'best decision' she has made for herself.

"I read, I watched movies, I went to Harvard and did a course. I wanted to experience life again because I felt depleted as an actor."

The real reason for her hiatus, however, was something a lot deeper. “I had nothing left in me, no real-life experiences I could extend to my craft—and that scared me,” she said. In her continuous pursuit of the next project, Pednekar had lost sight of what grounded her. “One of the biggest fears I had was being mediocre, and I think I reached there,” she confessed. It was this realisation, rather than the trolling itself, that pushed her to go back to the drawing board.” It was important for me to accept that, and not be in denial, because I know what I’m capable of,” Pednekar adds.

Now, as she prepares for the world to see her distinct performance in Daldal, Pednekar feels she has re-emerged stronger and more focused. The break has served its purpose, and the actor is already looking toward a busy future, with filming for a theatrical courtroom drama set to begin this March. “I want to surprise people with every performance,” she says with a smile, “and I think now, I’m ready.”

Watch the full interview with Bhumi Pednekar on The Hollywood Reporter India YouTube channel.