Bhumi Pednekar delighted about working with Nawazuddin Siddiqui, wants to break every stereotype

Bhumi Pednekar, who was last seen in Badhaai Do (2022), is enthusiastic for her upcoming film Afwaah, in which she will continue to defy stereotypes. While the quirky thriller piqued her interest, it was the chance to collaborate with Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Sudhir Mishra that sealed the deal. The project was announced a while back, and this would be Bhumi's first collaboration with Nawazuddin.

In a recent interview with Mid-Day, she said, "I have waited long for an opportunity to work with Nawaz sir. He is a stalwart in cinema and one of the best actors in the country. I am going to learn so much from him. Working with Sudhir sir has always been on my bucket list. I think he’s an actor’s dream director.”

“It’s a story I have lived with for a long time and I have only worked each day to make it quirky and twisted. Filmmaker Sudhir Mishra said in a statement about the project. “Beneath all of the quirkiness lies a crucial message which I want my viewers to take back home with them. Bhumi and Nawaz are both such powerhouse performers and together they bring a fresh chemistry. I can’t wait to be on set with them.”

Afwaah, which will be shot in the summer in Alwar, Rajasthan, has a social message, which Pednekar has always emphasised. According to a source, “This is perhaps one of the most challenging and powerful roles of Bhumi's career. It's a layered character that gradually unfolds as the screenplay unravels."

"[My characters] are women who stand up for themselves, and I find them aspirational. I want to break every kind of stereotype. Cinema is a powerful medium and if used in the right manner, it can be inspiring. I want to leave behind that kind of legacy," said the 32-year old actress, stating that she chooses characters who resemble her in some way.