 "Firstpost At Waves 2025: Netflix's 'The Royals' Bhumi Pednekar says 'India is the only country I want to work in because...'")
Actor Bhumi Pednekar, speaking at the Waves Summit 2025, delivered a heartfelt reflection on her decade-long journey in Indian cinema and reaffirmed her deep-rooted love for working in India. Known for her commitment to socially relevant storytelling and culturally grounded narratives, Bhumi took the stage to speak about the power of Indian cinema, the richness of its landscapes, and the unmatched passion of its people.
“In the last ten years, I’ve been part of some very culturally dense, heartland films — and I’m deeply proud of that,” she said. “I recently shot a film abroad and realized that the only place I truly want to work in… is India.”
Bhumi went on to praise the Indian film industry’s unique ecosystem — highlighting the dedication of local crews, the emotional warmth of Indian film sets, and the increasingly inclusive representation on-ground. “There’s no comparison to the comfort, passion, and work ethic our teams bring. When I’m on a set in India, I feel safe, seen, and inspired. Today, we see equal numbers of men and women working behind the scenes, and that makes me even prouder.”
She also shared insights from her upcoming Netflix series The Royals, releasing on May 9, which was extensively shot in Rajasthan. “Those two and a half months were some of the most potent and fulfilling days I’ve had on a set. The kind of support, technicians, and stories we have in India — it’s phenomenal. And the landscapes are just unparalleled.”
From the beaches of Goa to the snowy peaks of Himachal, Bhumi noted that India’s geographic and cultural diversity makes it a filmmaker’s dream. “In one film, you can go from the backwaters of Kerala to the ghats of Varanasi. It’s cinematic gold.”
She also touched upon the global appeal of Indian cinema, recalling an encounter in Los Angeles where someone recognized her origins based on their familiarity with Mumbai’s iconic Chowpatty — thanks to the influence of Bollywood. “That’s what our films do — they carry our stories, our food, our places to the world. Cinema is such a powerful bridge.”
Ending on a note of purpose, Bhumi underscored how cinema can be used as a force for global connection and social transformation. “If storytelling can shift mindsets and bring people closer, then we’re in a position of real power. And I’m so grateful that I get to do this — here, in Ind
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