Bhumi Pednekar calls 'The Royals' a modern blend of ‘Bridgerton' and ‘Schitt's Creek'
Actor Bhumi Pednekar says her debut web series "The Royals" is a blend of modern-day "Bridgerton" and "Schitt's Creek", capturing the dysfunctional dynamics of a royal family with a touch of comedy and romance. Billed as a modern-day rom-com, the Netflix show stars Ishaan Khatter as Aviraaj Singh, a reluctant new-age prince, and Pednekar as Sophia Shekhar, a self-made CEO of a start-up, who team up to transform the former's haveli into a luxury B&B experience.As their journey unfolds, viewers can expect a rollercoaster ride of romance, comedy and a whole lot of drama, reads the official synopsis."It is (like) a modern-day 'Bridgerton' because of the setting and the world that's been created, but definitely a bit of 'Schitt's Creek' because there's the royal family and the dysfunctionality and everything that happens with them."But I grew up reading 'Mills & Boon' (romance novels), and I'm a very, very big fan of it. This ('The Royals') is a very classic boy-girl romance. It's just that there's no damsel-in-distress. It's refreshing," Pednekar told PTI in an interview."Bridgerton" is a British costume drama set in the 19th century's regency era, whereas the Canadian show "Schitt's Creek" follows the trials and tribulations of the formerly wealthy Rose family. Both series are available on Netflix."The Royals" is created by Rangita and Ishita Pritish Nandy and directed by Priyanka Ghose and Nupur Asthana While romance is at the core of "The Royals", the series ambitiously delves into larger themes such as privilege, power dynamics, and the complexities of contemporary life, including the entourage trend and the use of artificial intelligence (AI).Calling AI a "disruptive" tool, Pednekar said one must use this technological innovation "responsibly"."You can't use it (AI) for things like, 'Create an itinerary for me because I'm going on a holiday'. It's a powerful tool... It depends on how you're using it... When it comes to the creative field, I don't know what the future is going to be like because it's evolving so fast."I don't think it can bring the kind of human nuance and touch that somebody writing a script can, but I don't think we are far from that. What's also lacking is that we don't have laws protecting us. There are so many loopholes, you see deep fakes. Today, on Instagram, there are so many times that a lot of AI-generated content looks so real," the actor added."The Royals" also features Sakshi Tanwar, Nora Fatehi, Dino Morea , Milind Soman, Chunky Panday, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Sumukhi Suresh , Udit Arora, Lisa Mishra and Luke Kenny.Mishra, who plays Sophia's (Pednekar) colleague Nikki, describes her character as an independent woman, a role she passionately pursued via multiple rounds of auditions."I've been lucky that I got launched on an incredible show, by an incredible production house, 'Call Me Bae'. I'm humbled by the fact that I've had two incredible opportunities back-to-back," the singer-actor said."I want to keep pushing the boundary on what a modern Indian woman is. I represent that, both as an NRI and somebody who has been living in India for seven years. These are the roles that are suited best for me," she added."The Royals" is set to stream on Netflix on May 9.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's $100M Netflix deal ends: Fans call content 'basic' and 'tone-deaf' as streaming giant walks away
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's much-publicised Netflix deal is officially wrapping up. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex signed a multi-year production agreement with the streaming giant back in 2020, reportedly worth around $100 million. But as the deal approaches its September expiration, both parties have confirmed it will not be renewed. The news, first reported by The Sun and later confirmed by sources to People, marks a turning point in the couple's media journey post-royal exit. Why Netflix isn't renewing the Sussexes' $100M contract According to multiple reports, the decision not to extend the deal wasn't fuelled by drama or fallouts. A Hollywood source told The Sun, 'There's no animosity from either side. Things have just run their course.' Netflix is said to be shifting away from mega-deals in general, focusing instead on first-look or project-based agreements. A similar strategy shift affected Netflix's arrangement with Barack and Michelle Obama's Higher Ground Productions. While Harry and Meghan's partnership delivered some initial hits, the overall volume and impact of content reportedly fell short of expectations. Not enough content and underwhelming performance One of the key reasons behind the non-renewal appears to be the lack of consistent, high-performing content. While the couple produced a few projects under the deal, including the record-breaking Harry & Meghan docuseries, Netflix insiders expected more regular output. Meghan's lifestyle series, With Love, Meghan, made some waves at launch, even cracking the global Top 10 for a brief moment, but engagement tapered off. According to Netflix's July 2025 Engagement Report, the series ranked No. 383 with 5.3 million views since March. Another project, Polo, executive-produced by the couple, garnered just 500,000 views and ranked at No. 3,436. Season 2 of With Love, Meghan will still release this fall, as it was filmed alongside Season 1. How did fans react to the development? Reddit users weren't surprised by the news and had a lot to say. One person wrote, 'It's not being renewed because they didn't deliver as much content as Netflix expected, and it wasn't a major success. Season 2 of Meghan's show was filmed alongside Season 1, so the streaming platform didn't need to renew it separately. The show wasn't a big hit, but honestly, that's not surprising. Launching a lifestyle series in today's political and social climate feels tone-deaf and out of touch.' Another user commented, 'I like her, but she's no Martha or Ina, and the stuff she was doing on her show was very basic. Netflix was expecting more, and stuff that'd have been fine on a lifestyle blog like The Tig 10 years ago isn't going to work in today's environment.' Some reactions were harsher, with one user saying, 'I still can't believe they kept giving them this much money for subpar content,' while another sarcastically added, 'I'm sure this will give them the privacy they so desperately want.' A quick look at what they produced Despite the mixed results, the couple did deliver several projects under their Netflix banner, Archewell Productions. The biggest hit was clearly Harry & Meghan, a six-part docuseries that chronicled their exit from royal life and became Netflix's most-watched documentary debut ever. Other projects included the animated series Pearl (which was later cancelled), the short documentary Heart of Invictus focusing on veterans and the Invictus Games, Live to Lead featuring interviews with global changemakers, and Polo, which flew under the radar. Meghan's With Love, Meghan lifestyle series was the fifth and latest release from the deal, offering a glossy peek into her life in Montecito with celebrity guests and branded products. So is it over between Meghan-Harry and Netflix? Although their multi-year Netflix deal is ending, this doesn't necessarily mean the end of their relationship with the platform. Season 2 of With Love, Meghan is still set to release in fall 2025 with Chrissy Teigen as the first confirmed guest. Meghan's lifestyle brand As Ever continues to partner with Netflix's CPG division, and Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos described the collaboration as a 'big discovery model' for the company.
India.com
21 minutes ago
- India.com
CM Rekha Gupta Declares Anupam Kher, Shubhangi Dutts Film Tanvi The Great Tax-Free In Delhi
New Delhi: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Wednesday announced that Anupam Kher's directorial 'Tanvi The Great' will be tax-free in Delhi. In a post on X, CM Rekha Gupta wrote, "I am pleased to share that the Delhi Government has declared the film 'Tanvi the Great' tax-free in the state. With an impactful narrative of inclusion, the film is an inspiring story of a young, 'special' girl-Tanvi, who is determined to achieve her dreams against all odds." "Tanvi's story is emotional and inspirational. We are committed to promote films that strengthens the spirit of Rashtra Seva, ignites patriotism, and awakens the conscience of the nation. Best wishes to the entire team of the film," her post read. Take A Look At The Post: I am pleased to share that the Delhi Government has declared the film 'Tanvi the Great' tax-free in the state. With an impactful narrative of inclusion, the film is an inspiring story of a young, 'special' girl-Tanvi, who is determined to achieve her dreams against all odds._ — Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) July 23, 2025 CM Rekha Gupta also shared a picture with Kher and actor Shubhangi Dutt from the film's screening which conducted in the national capital recently. Earlier, on Monday, the film was declared tax-free in Madhya Pradesh by the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav. "Today, I had the opportunity to watch the film *Tanvi The Great* with the renowned actor and director Shri @AnupamPKher ji in Bhopal. I announce that the film will be made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh," CM Yadav stated in a post on X. Centred on the Indian Army and autism, 'Tanvi The Great' tells the story of a young girl (Shubhangi Dutt) who lives with her mother and grandfather (Anupam Kher). Inspired by her late father, she is determined to join the armed forces. The film also features Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Karan Tacker, Arvind Swami, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. Produced by Anupam Kher Studios along with NFDC, the film has received global accolades during its festival run in Cannes, New York, London, and Houston. It also earned standing ovations at special previews held at the National Defence Academy and the Southern Command in Pune.
Mint
21 minutes ago
- Mint
‘Tanvi the Great' film declared tax-free in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh
After Madhya Pradesh Chief Mohan Yadav, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta declared Anupam Kher's film 'Tanvi The Great' tax-free, praising its narrative of inclusion. In a post on X, CM Rekha Gupta wrote, 'I am pleased to share that the Delhi Government has declared the film 'Tanvi the Great' tax-free in the state. With an impactful narrative of inclusion, the film is an inspiring story of a young, 'special' girl-Tanvi, who is determined to achieve her dreams against all odds.' She further noted, 'Tanvi's story is emotional and inspirational. We are committed to promote films that strengthens the spirit of Rashtra Seva, ignites patriotism, and awakens the conscience of the nation. Best wishes to the entire team of the film.' Gupta also posted a photo with Kher and actress Shubhangi Dutt from the recent film screening in the national capital. On Monday, CM Mohan Yadav declared the film tax-free in Madhya Pradesh. "Today, I had the opportunity to watch the film *Tanvi The Great* with the renowned actor and director Shri @AnupamPKher ji in Bhopal. I announce that the film will be made tax-free in Madhya Pradesh," he wrote in a post on X. The announcement came after actor and director Anupam Kher met Yadav. Following their meeting and after watching the film together, Yadav declared it would be made tax-free in the state. He described it as a "touching" film dedicated to the "struggle, determination, and dreams of an autistic girl." An official informed PTI that the film's lead actor, Shubhangi Dutt, and young artist Viraj Aggarwal were also there. CM Yadav praised Kher for creating a "film with a meaningful purpose." Additionally, Kher gifted his book "Different But No Less" to the CM during the event. The film, which is centred on the Indian Army and autism, narrates the story of a young girl living with her mother and grandfather. Motivated by her late father, she is committed to joining the armed forces. Apart from Shubhangi Dutt and Viraj Aggarwal, the star cast also includes Boman Irani, Jackie Shroff, Karan Tacker, Arvind Swami, Nasser, and British actor Iain Glen. Produced by Anupam Kher Studios in collaboration with NFDC, the film has garnered international praise at festivals in Cannes, New York, London, and Houston.
