Bhumika Meena is a rising star of the industry. Currently, she is seen in the lead role in Amazon MX Player’s show ‘Chidiya Ud’. In this show, Bhumika has a chance to work with veteran actors like Jackie Shroff, Mita Vashisht, and Sikandar Kher.
In a conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Bhumika shared her journey from being a doctor to becoming an actor. Highlights from the conversation with Bhumika…
Question- In ‘Chidiya Ud’, your character is that of a sex worker. Tell us about the preparation and challenges of the role.
Answer- As an actor, our preparation starts much before getting the role. When I decided that I wanted to become an actor, at that time I decided that I did not want to keep anything in backup. I have to focus only on acting. I have taken training with different teachers. I have done a lot of research on the character of Sahar. I came to know many shocking things during my research. I also went to Kamathipura two or three times. Due to Covid, I could not do much research on the field. Online research and documentaries have a big role in my understanding of sex workers. My mother has lived in the village, she also told me many stories. There were many challenges in playing this role, but when you are new, those challenges also give you excitement.
Question- When did you decide to become an actor?
Answer- I always wanted to become an actor. But I did not think about it in Jaipur. I studied medicine under the influence of my parents. In a place like Jaipur, people see actors not as actors but as heroes and heroines. But the courage to become an actor came to me after coming to Delhi. When I started living independently. I had a good childhood, I studied in the country’s renowned schools and colleges. I was good at studies, dance, public speaking, and debate. I was also famous in my clinic. Even after everything was right, I was not happy from within. I felt something was missing in my ambition. I went to Vipassana to understand that confusion. It gave me clarity about my ambition. I used to do theatre during college too but after Vipassana, I took theatre seriously. I started finding out the nuances of acting, how auditions are conducted, and who are the casting directors in Delhi. This is how my acting journey started.
Question- What was their reaction when you told your parents that you wanted to act and go to Mumbai?
Answer- After completing MBBS, I decided that now I have to do acting only. I didn’t want to keep any backup, then I told my parents. And what can I say about their reaction? Things were not easy for me. Both my parents are doctors. For them, acting can never be a career. They were shocked by my decision. They could not understand how someone could leave a career. I saw my mother crying because of me. I was that child of the house, whose example was given to other children. But with this one decision, I became a big disappointment for them. But I was so passionate about acting that I shifted to Mumbai without convincing them. Today, even after I have done the lead role, my mother advises me to do PG. My parents are still not convinced of my choice.
Question- How was your experience after coming to Mumbai?
Answer- In the beginning, I also faced all the same challenges that anyone faces after coming to a new city. I came from Delhi with 6 months of savings. Initially, I somehow found a house to share. Then something happened there and I had to leave the house. I had no option as to where to go. Then the lockdown came, not getting support from parents, getting rejected in auditions, all these things were going on. Even after all this, Mumbai seemed like my place to me. I still get rejected but I was ready for all these things earlier and I am ready even today.
Question- When did you get your first break?
Answer- I got my first short film ‘Chuhedani’ after three and a half years of coming to Mumbai. Before that, I had done only small ads. But the story of getting the first ad film is very interesting. I used to share a room with 5-6 girls in Malad. So one day I went out to look for a flat. As an actor, I used to carry formal, India,n and casual clothes in my bag because I never knew when I would get a call. I was in an auto when I got a message that we are conducting auditions, you should come. It had been just 3-4 days since I had come to Mumbai. When I reached for the audition, there were 50-60 people in a small room. I was told that your look seems right according to the character. Then I gave auditions and I got selected. After that, I did not get to work for a long time.
Question- You have worked on projects like ‘Chidiya Udd’, ‘Dukaan’, ‘Slum Golf’, and ‘Chhuhedani’. Do you think the beginning was good?
Answer- Yes, I am very grateful for this. Actresses get the role of Sahar after working a lot. I am lucky that I got this opportunity within five years of my career. That too with veteran actors like Jackie Shroff, Sikander Kher, and Mita Vashisht. I learned from Jackie Sir that one should have a big heart for people. Despite being such a big star, he meets people with such affection. I feel that the industry has accepted me with great love.
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