The 12th edition of the Milken Institute’s Asia Summit brought together world leaders from business, government, health, technology, and philanthropy under the theme “Progress with Purpose: Collaboration Amid Complexity.” Amidst heads of state, policymakers, and CEOs, Indian actor and climate advocate Bhumi Pednekar made a mark with her personal and thought-provoking address on representation, resilience, and cultural influence.
Bhumi Pednekar makes impactful statement at Milken Asia Summit, shares journey from cinema to advocacy
Reflecting on her journey, Bhumi Satish Pednekar spoke about her early years in cinema and the challenges that shaped her path. “I always knew I wanted to be an actor, but growing up, I didn’t see women like me on screen. I didn’t feel represented, and every time I told people about my dream, I was laughed at. That rejection only fueled me more—I thought, I’ll show you. My first film was Dum Laga Ke Haisha, a beautiful story about a woman who doesn’t fit society’s narrow definition of beauty. She’s constantly made to feel ‘less than,’ but by the end, she breaks free of those shackles and claims her worth. That role changed my life—not just because I was finally living my dream, but because it showed me the true power of cinema. In India, there are so many stigmas and taboos people don’t even talk about. But cinema opens hearts. It creates empathy. And when empathy turns into action, that’s advocacy. That’s when I realized the kind of work I wanted to do, and why I’ve had the courage to say no to roles that didn’t align with that journey.”
Her remarks underscored the role cinema plays as both a cultural and social catalyst. By challenging stereotypes on screen, Bhumi Pednekar has simultaneously laid the foundation for her advocacy off screen — from promoting body positivity to addressing climate justice.
At the Asia Summit, where discussions ranged from demographic shifts and diversity to access to capital and public health, Pednekar emphasized the importance of voices from the Global South. Her participation highlighted not just her evolution as an actor but also her growing role as an advocate, bridging cinema and social responsibility on an international stage.
Also Read: Bhumi Pednekar launches crowdfunding campaign for Jammu flood-affected families
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