In the past 11 years of contemporary Indian cinema, Bhumi Satish Pednekkar has carved an unconventional filmography with performances that have ignited nationwide conversations and have created an impact. From playing a small-town, overweight bride challenging beauty norms to portraying layered women navigating social complexities, Bhumi has made the most of the big-screen and OTT platforms. Here’s celebrating 11 years of Bhumi Pednekkar with her 11 best performances.
*Dum Laga Ke Haisha (2015)*
Not just a debut, but a breakthrough that changed everything for Bhumi. Her venture into films as Sandhya, an overweight bride, was raw and refreshingly honest. Not only did she bring normalcy to body types of all kinds, but also showed women to embrace themselves. Dum Laga Ke Haisha instantly placed her as a daring and bold actress.
*Toilet: Ek Prem Katha (2017)*
As Jaya in Toilet: Ek Prem Katha, Bhumi hit cinematic gold yet again by headlining a socially relevant story about sanitation and women’s dignity. At times when actresses would think twice before portraying Jaya, Bhumi dived headfirst!
*Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (2017)*
In this romantic comedy, Bhumi stepped in as Sugandha and teamed up with Ayushmann Khurrana to headline a taboo subject of erectile dysfunction with warmth and wit. Shubh Mangal Saavdhan marked a new-age progressive cinema, and it spotlights the ability to shoulder a sensitive narrative with meaning.
*Sonchiriya (2019)*
Bhumi blossomed as Indumati Tomar in Sonchiriya, a gritty action drama set in the Chambal ravines. From the authentic Bundeli dialect to the grounded getup to the body language, Bhumi unraveled an unseen shade of herself as a performer, proving that she can take bold leaps with genres.
*Saand Ki Aankh (2019)*
Bhumi stepped into the shoes of Chandro Tomar in Saand Ki Aankh and broke past the rules of conventionality. Transforming into a 60-year old sharpshooter, Bhumi added to the frames of patriarchy and gender discrimination within the structure of a family drama, serving yet another bold creation.
*Bala (2019)*
In this social satire, Bhumi Pednekkar highlighted the issue of colourism by portraying a dark-complexioned Latika Trivedi who refuses to let society’s shallow beauty standards define her. By bringing both confidence and vulnerability to her role, Bhumi sparked an essential conversation about colourism and self-worth.
*Badhaai Do (2022)*
Bhumi stepped into the shoes of Sumi Singh in Badhaai Do and brought the sensitive topic of queer to the fore. As a lesbian who enters into a holy matrimony with Shardul, a gay, only to impress their families, the actress made the most of cinema once again by depicting a concept about lavender marriage.
*Thank You For Coming (2023)*
Thank You For Coming marked a bold, modern and unapologetic pick for Bhumi. A female-led story that’s lighthearted, but also sparked strong conversations about women’s desiresand pleasures. And this brave pick showed once again that Bhumi is not the one to play it safe!
*Bhakshak (2024)*
Bhumi shouldered Bhakshak, portraying a struggling local journalist who begins an investigation into harrowing cases of abuse being covered up at the shelter. The actress stepped into an off-beat genre and a role that’s anything but creamy, but pulled it off with such conviction that it showed it was tailor-made for her!
*The Royals (2025)*
Bhumi made a powerful, glamorous move in The Royals. The actress shifted gears with intensity and rom-coms to enter the world of business, royalty and intrigue. From depicting emotional layers to serving a wardrobe statement that continues to remain a trend, Bhumi treated her fans with a sharp, stylish and commanding shade of hers.
*Daldal (2026)*
Bhumi headlined her latest globally hit series, Daldal, a psychological crime thriller that sees her as a cop for the first time as a determined DCP Rita Ferreira. From wearing the character’s stillness to adding an edge with internalized conflicts, Bhumi shows why she’s made for intense genres like such.
Eleven years, eleven performances and multiple stereotypes shattered, multiple conversations ignited, and multiple cinematic barriers broken. If her filmography is anything to go by, Bhumi has surely created a league of her own, one where her craft lies in substance and impact.
