Bollywood Roundup: Bhumi Pednekar, Shweta Tripathi, Amitabh Bachchan, and more…

Bhumi Pednekar calls decline of women-led films in mainstream cinema “heartbreaking”

MUMBAI — Actress Bhumi Pednekar said it is “heartbreaking” to see women-led stories decline in mainstream cinema, even as streaming platforms create stronger opportunities for female-driven narratives.

Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi 2026, Pednekar said OTT platforms have helped shift the landscape by offering more substantial roles for women.

“I feel with OTT, especially for women, the narrative has become a lot stronger because a lot of those shows, a lot of those films are led by women, which is maybe shrinking in mainstream cinema,” she said.

“Unfortunately, it’s really heartbreaking that that’s happening,” she added.

Pednekar, who debuted in “Dum Laga Ke Haisha” and went on to star in films such as “Toilet: Ek Prem Katha,” “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,” “Bala,” and “Saand Ki Aankh,” said digital platforms have opened doors to more layered and bold roles.

“But at the same time, there’s a rise of these platforms where we get great opportunities. So absolutely, I think women have always been a lot more courageous, and they are a lot more brave while choosing their scripts,” she said.

“And I think OTT just kind of gives them the right platform,” she added.

Pednekar has taken on a range of unconventional roles, including a closeted lesbian in “Badhaai Do,” and appeared in socially driven films such as “Bheed,” “Afwaah,” and “Bhakshak.”

She was last seen in the psychological crime thriller series “Daldal,” which follows a Mumbai Crime Branch officer investigating a serial killer.

Shweta Tripathi says she avoids comparing her characters and roles

MUMBAI — Actress Shweta Tripathi said she does not believe in comparing her performances or characters, calling comparison a value she does not subscribe to in life or work.

Speaking at the International Film Festival Delhi 2026, Tripathi said every role she takes on holds its own importance.

“No, like there should be no competition in your children, you should not be choosy, your characters are also like that, every work of yours is special. So you should not compare yourself, and in fact, not just with your characters, I think in life, comparison for me is not a value,” she said.

The “Masaan” and “Mirzapur” actress also recently attended a live concert in Amsterdam by Oscar- and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer, describing his music as deeply influential.

“His music has always stayed with me long after a film ends. There’s an honesty and depth in his compositions that really hits you emotionally. As an actor and a cinema student, I’m drawn to anything that helps me understand emotion better, and his music does that quietly, without explanation. Watching him live feels like the most direct way to experience that energy,” she said.

Tripathi added that the experience allowed her to step away from routine and absorb music without overanalyzing it.

“Music has such a strong role in shaping emotion and storytelling, and seeing it come alive like this feels important,” she added.

Amitabh Bachchan says ‘inner voice’ crucial in navigating today’s information overload

MUMBAI — Amitabh Bachchan said the “inner voice” is essential in navigating today’s flood of information, warning that the line between truth and falsehood is increasingly blurred.

Writing on his blog, the veteran actor described the modern information landscape as overwhelming, with multiple sources often leaving people uncertain about what is real.

“… you read a bit , but see more .. information is important and with the multiple avenues available, each informer , either personal or formal is seen with various thoughts – true , untrue .. genuine or not .. who to go to confirm this ..,” he wrote.

He compared the search for truth to crossing “sandstorms and quicksand,” where clarity is difficult to reach.

“.. and this where the aberration begins to develop – until the distant ..oasis of hope and clear water is seen or approached, through sand storms , quick sands and the like .”

Bachchan said even when people believe they have found clarity, it may prove unreliable.

“… so you get to the oasis , to discover that the essence of its presence is polluted .. and swiftly the search for another is initiated …”

Reflecting on human behavior, he said individuals often ignore their internal instincts in favor of external influences, which can also be flawed.

“One is ever driven by the thoughts of the ‘inner’ .. each of us possess it, but generally go with the ‘outer’ .. It may bring results , but they too could be polluted ..!!! So you stop .. and wait ..”

“Wait till the ‘inner’ wakes up and guides you to that desired destination .. Often the destination is not the achievement, by the ‘outer’ .. And this where the mind fills itself with, either one , resulting in the search again .. Each day is not as easy as made out,” he added.

Poonam Pandey’s pregnancy post sparks speculation of April Fool’s prank

MUMBAI — Actress Poonam Pandey has sparked confusion online after sharing photos appearing to show a baby bump, with many questioning whether the announcement is real or an April Fool’s prank.

Pandey posted two images on Instagram, one with her T-shirt rolled up to reveal her stomach and another with it pulled down, both emphasizing the bump. She captioned the post with emojis of a pregnant woman, a baby bottle, and a child.

Sources indicated the post could be a prank ahead of April 1, while several social media users expressed skepticism, with some suggesting the images could be AI-generated.

The reaction is influenced in part by a previous controversy in February 2024, when her team falsely announced her death from cervical cancer on social media, later calling it a publicity stunt aimed at raising awareness.

Pandey first gained attention through social media and became widely known after promising to strip for the India national cricket team if it won the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

She was last seen on the reality show “Lock Upp: Badass Jail, Atyaachari Khel!” hosted by Kangana Ranaut, where Munawar Faruqui won.

Bipasha Basu shares video of daughter Devi dancing with grandmother

MUMBAI — Actress Bipasha Basu shared a glimpse of her family life, posting a video of her daughter Devi dancing with her grandmother, whom the child calls “Mumu Ma.”

The clip shows Devi Basu Singh Grover joyfully dancing alongside her nani, both fully immersed in the music. The video is set to the song “Golden,” which Basu said is currently her daughter’s favorite.

“Golden on repeat!!! Devi’s current favourite
Mumu Ma has to dance with her Mishti always,” she wrote, revealing the nickname “Mishti” used for Devi.

Basu and her husband, actor Karan Singh Grover, welcomed their daughter on Nov. 12, 2022.

The actress has previously shared that Devi was diagnosed at birth with a ventricular septal defect, a heart condition, and underwent open-heart surgery at three months old.

Basu has often spoken about balancing her professional life with motherhood, describing her daughter as strong and resilient. (Source: IANS)