Latest news with #Pednekar


Gulf Today
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Bhumi Pednekar praises UNDP India for its efforts to empower young people
Actress Bhumi Pednekar has praised UNDP India for its efforts to empower young people in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She called the initiative a significant step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Pednekar, UNDP India National Advocate for the SDGs, shared, 'This initiative is a game-changing moment. Today's youth are informed, passionate, and committed to building a better world. Through this partnership, we are creating a platform where their vision and energy can drive sustainable action and impact at scale.' The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has teamed up with Collective Artists Network India Pvt. Ltd. to boost youth involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnership aims to spark meaningful conversations on important global issues like climate change, gender equality, poverty, and inclusive development. Talking about the partnership, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, stated, 'This partnership is a step forward in empowering young people to become active change-makers. Across India, youth are not only raising their voices for change - they are leading it. Whether it's championing climate action, advocating for gender equity, or creating inclusive opportunities, their work is shaping the future. With Collective Artists Network, we can amplify these efforts, ensuring that stories of youth leadership resonate from urban centres to rural communities.' Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-founder, Collective Artists Network, added, 'At Collective, we believe storytelling is a powerful tool to drive real change. Partnering with UNDP allows us to channel the voice and influence of India's youth toward causes that support building a future rooted in purpose, equity, and sustainability.' The first project under this partnership was a three-part digital docuseries created with Under 25, one of India's biggest student communities. The series showcased inspiring stories of young changemakers and reached millions of viewers online. It also featured support from actress and UNDP India Youth Champion, Sanjana Sanghi. The partnership aims to work with OTT platforms, filmmakers, brands, and popular influencers to run campaigns and events that raise awareness and encourage action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the country. Meanwhile, Bhumi has completed a decade in Hindi cinema. The actress made her debut with the breakout hit 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha,' in which she was paired opposite actor Ayushmann Khurrana. The actress shared that she is always drawn to stories that challenge her thought-process, and give her the window to grow as a person. In 10 years of her cinematic career, the actress has taken up some brave choices like 'Sonchiriya,' 'Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,' 'Badhaai Do,' 'Govinda Naam Mera,' 'Bhakshak' and others. Indo-Asian News Service


Hans India
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Bhumi Pednekar applauds UNDP India's efforts to empower youth in driving sustainable development goals
Mumbai: Actress Bhumi Pednekar has praised UNDP India for its efforts to empower young people in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She called the initiative a significant step towards building a more inclusive and sustainable future. Pednekar, UNDP India National Advocate for the SDGs, shared, 'This initiative is a game-changing moment. Today's youth are informed, passionate, and committed to building a better world. Through this partnership, we are creating a platform where their vision and energy can drive sustainable action and impact at scale.' The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) India has teamed up with Collective Artists Network India Pvt. Ltd. to boost youth involvement in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The partnership aims to spark meaningful conversations on important global issues like climate change, gender equality, poverty, and inclusive development. Talking about the partnership, Dr. Angela Lusigi, Resident Representative, UNDP India, stated, 'This partnership is a step forward in empowering young people to become active change-makers. Across India, youth are not only raising their voices for change — they are leading it. Whether it's championing climate action, advocating for gender equity, or creating inclusive opportunities, their work is shaping the future. With Collective Artists Network, we can amplify these efforts, ensuring that stories of youth leadership resonate from urban centres to rural communities.' Dhruv Chitgopekar, Co-founder, Collective Artists Network, added, 'At Collective, we believe storytelling is a powerful tool to drive real change. Partnering with UNDP allows us to channel the voice and influence of India's youth toward causes that support building a future rooted in purpose, equity, and sustainability.' The first project under this partnership was a three-part digital docuseries created with Under 25, one of India's biggest student communities. The series showcased inspiring stories of young changemakers and reached millions of viewers online. It also featured support from actress and UNDP India Youth Champion, Sanjana Sanghi. The partnership aims to work with OTT platforms, filmmakers, brands, and popular influencers to run campaigns and events that raise awareness and encourage action for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the country.


NDTV
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NDTV
Bhumi Pednekar Channels Classic Elegance In A Dreamy Sara Mrad Gown
After impressing her fans with one striking look after another in The Royals, actor Bhumi Pednekar recently made heads turn at the Vogue Beauty Awards. She was seen wearing a body-hugging gown designed by Sara Mrad. Rendered in soft shades of lavendar and pastel pink, the gown featured a pleated, watercolour-like pattern across the fabric and wrapped perfectly around her sculpted frame. What elevated the design further was the dramatic tulle train - voluminous and cascading behind her. From the back, the grown revealed meticulous pleating that fanned out into a bow, adding an artistic flair to the fit. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bhumi Pednekar (@bhumipednekar) The textural flow of the fabric made Pednekar looked like a fairytale dream, which was perfect for a modern-day red carpet. Her styling embraced a minimalist aesthetic, with her hair in a soft vintage waves parted to the side and rested gracefully over one shoulder - reminiscent of old-school Hollywood. The hairdo complemented the assymetrical structure of the gown, bringing a sense of balance to the look. Makeup artist Nicky Rajani opted for a minimalist look as well. The Royal actress wore a radiant, dewy base that highlighted her natural glow. A soft rose-hued blush, subtle contouring and a muted pink lip tied the makeup together. Her gentle defined eye makeup featured a touch of shimmer that matched the muted tones of the outfit. Accentuated lashes and well-groomed eyebrows gave the look a fresh, youthful finish. The minimal jewellery played a supporting yet luxurious role. The 35-year-old added the right amount of sparkle with pieces from Zoya Jewels. Her gold and gemstone earrings paired perfectly with the ensemble. Stealing the spotlight at the awards night, Pednekar brought classic sophistication to the red carpet - and we're loving it!


Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Bhumi Pednekar's The Royals co-star Udit Arora defends her from bad reviews: ‘You can't control that, she's done her work with utmost honesty'
The Royals, an eight-part romantic comedy series, dropped on Netflix India last week to some harsh reviews. The points of contention ranged from the overt focus on the sets and costumes instead of the script to the performance of the female lead, Bhumi Pednekar. Pednekar plays Sofia, an ambitious entrepreneur who wishes to make the royal palace of Morpur accessible to common people. Amid the criticism for her performance, her Royals co-stars Udit Arora came to her defense. 'She has been amazing to me and everyone. I can't say anything about people. They can like or dislike whatever they want, you can't control that,' said Arora. He plays Sofia's business partner and former boyfriend in the show. In the interview with Zoom, Arora further said, 'We do our work with utmost honesty, and I believe she has done that.' Udit also shared behind-the-scenes pictures from the Royals set after the show dropped on Netflix India. These included his scenes with Bhumi and Ishaan Khatter. A post shared by Udit Arora (@justudit) // 'Grateful is an understatement. Being part of The Royals on Netflix has been an unforgettable ride — every scene, every take, every laugh behind the camera. Huge thanks to our visionary directors @picsofpinks and @nupurasthana for steering this ship with such brilliance and heart, and to Netflix for bringing this story to life. Couldn't have asked for a better cast to share this journey with – what a team. Here's to the magic behind the scenes,' he wrote in the caption. The SCREEN review of The Royals claims Pednekar works hard, but the lacklustre writing weighs her and the entire show down. 'There's also the matter of the good-looking leads who have more going on with other people in the cast, than with each other. Khatter had more bite in his small part in the Nicole Kidman starrer The Perfect Couple: here, his shirt is off more than it's on, and it is all very eye-catching, but all that coupling with Pednekar doesn't really get as steamy as it should have. She works hard too, but whoever came up with 'Work Potato', the name of her company? No, not cute,' it states. Also Read — The Royals, Call Me Bae actor Lisa Mishra wants to get rid of her 'Tareefan Reprise girl' tag: 'It's been 7 years, I've done so much' The Royals also stars Zeenat Aman, Sakshi Tanwar, Vihaan Samat, Kavya Trehan, Lisa Mishra, Dino Morea, Chunky Panday, Luke Kenny, and Rahul Bhat among others. Produced by Rangita Nandy's Pritish Nandy Communications, it is co-directed by Nupur Asthana and Priyanka Ghosh, and written by Neha Verma.


Time of India
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bhumi Pednekar calls 'The Royals' a modern blend of ‘Bridgerton' and ‘Schitt's Creek'
Ishan and Bhumi Spotted at Café 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 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 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.