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Photograph: (Instagram)
Actor Bhoomika Meena has captivated audiences with her latest role in the Amazon MX Player series Chidiya Udd where she shares the screen with seasoned actors Jackie Shroff and Sikander Kher. Her impressive performances in films like Chuhedaani (2022), Slum Golf (2023), and Dukaan (2024) have showcased her versatility and dedication to her craft. In a candid conversation with SheThePeople TV, Bhoomika delved into the intricacies of her character in Chidiya Udd, her journey into acting, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Background Artist to Leading Lady: Chidiya Udd Star Bhoomika Meena Shares Her Journey
On the path to portraying Seher in Chidiya Udd, Bhoomika navigated a complex narrative, delving deep into a character that challenges societal norms around sex work. Reflecting on her preparation, she shared, "Portraying Seher meant exploring two layers: her personal journey and the idea of sex work as independence rather than stigma. I dug into the motivations of someone who chooses this path willingly, researching extensively, interviewing people, and understanding the perspective of my director, Ravi sir. (Ravi Jadhav)"
Bhoomika’s upbringing in a village near Jaipur, where she balanced a rustic life with later exposure to elite education, offered her a unique perspective. "Growing up, I was grazing cattle with my nani and ploughing fields. Later, I attended a top school. That grounding helped me see Seher beyond labels. She’s resilient, unapologetic, and free, traits I admire. Her story is a call to challenge stigmas and see individuals for their humanity, not just their professions."
Discussing how she landed the role, Bhoomika recalled the hurdles she faced. "The journey to Chidiya Udd was truly a preparation meeting opportunity. My first audition didn’t go anywhere, but I took that as a sign to keep growing. By the time I got a second chance, I’d evolved through acting workshops, yoga, and life experiences, and the makers noticed." The process was far from straightforward. "There were multiple auditions, look tests, and scheduling clashes, but everything finally aligned. It reinforced my belief that when you give your best, what’s meant for you finds its way."
Early Steps and Small Wins
Reflecting on her early days in the industry, Bhoomika admitted there was no singular breakthrough moment. "It’s been a series of small wins. My first paid gig was dancing behind Virender Sehwag in an ad, which confirmed my passion for acting. I learned a lot from background roles in Made in Heaven and Sandeep Aur Pinky Faraar. A real boost came with the short film Chuhedani, where I played the lead and won a few Best Actor awards."
Her move to Mumbai brought its own set of challenges. "I landed a commercial almost immediately, which felt like the city saying, ‘You’re meant to be here.’ But struggles followed periods with no work, casting stints, and intense training. Every project has been a chance to learn and grow, brick by brick."
Bhoomika’s journey has not been without its obstacles, particularly in an industry where representation matters. "Growing up as a 5’3” dusky girl in Jaipur, I barely saw heroines who looked like me. That mindset can clip your wings before you even try. It wasn’t until medical college that I realised what I truly wanted, influenced by Western risk-takers like Oprah Winfrey and Tim Ferriss, and anchored by the teachings of Vivekananda and Sadhguru. Yoga, especially during lockdown, fortified my inner belief." She added, "Once I treated myself as the protagonist of my life, opportunities aligned in ways I never expected."
Advice for Aspiring Actors
For those aspiring to follow in her footsteps, Bhoomika offers clear advice. "Ask yourself if you love the craft enough to do it every single day, regardless of fame or applause. Once I realized how much I genuinely love being an actor, I decided there was no turning back. My mother always told me to have ‘Arjun ki aankh’, unwavering focus. That meant devoting myself fully to this one goal. And while I’m thankful for moments of validation, I’m here because I truly love the process, embodying different characters, honing the craft, and growing as an artist."
Looking ahead, Bhoomika aspires to create timeless work that resonates deeply. "I want to collaborate with visionary filmmakers who balance entertainment with depth. Acting is a transformative journey, I seek roles that challenge me to grow, both as an artist and a person."
Inspiration and Feminist Icon
When asked about her inspirations, Bhoomika mentioned Priyanka Chopra. "She’s fiercely ambitious, crossing cultural and professional boundaries with confidence. Her stand on feminism and women’s empowerment resonates deeply with me. I also admire Madhuri ma’am for her incredible talent and the way she embraces her femininity. In a world where we often feel pressured to be more ‘masculine’ to succeed, I believe true power lies in owning our womanhood, our intuition, empathy, and resilience."
Reflecting on her journey, Bhoomika finds the most rewarding part of acting to be the personal growth it fosters. "Acting has deepened my faith in the unknown, making me an even bigger risk-taker. The way Chidiya Udd came together felt like a nod from the universe, reminding me that when you trust your intuition, things align. The goal was not success but fearlessness, and somewhat achieving that has been the biggest win."
In her pursuit of authentic storytelling, Bhoomika remains grounded in the wisdom of the Gita. "Do your karma without worrying about the fruit," she concluded, finding immense joy in simply living that truth every day.