How ‘Barah By Barah’ Actor Bhumika Dube Worked Tirelessly To Increase Screen Presence

Actor Bhumika Dube, renowned for her stellar performances in The Railway Men, Dahan, and Motichoor Chaknachoor, has captivated audiences once again with the film Barah By Barah, directed by Gaurav Madan. Additionally, she is set to shine in the Netflix original film Phir Aayee Haseen Dilruba, starring alongside Vikrant Massey and Taapsee Pannu, as well as in the Prime Video original series Bandwaale, where she stars alongside Shalini Pandey and Zahan Kapoor in lead roles.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Bhumika Dube delved into her personal journey, discussing her preferences for characters and her aspirations for versatile work in cinema. She shared insights into the types of roles that resonate with her and expressed her eagerness to collaborate with specific individuals in the industry.

Bhumika Dube Opens Up On Characters And Ambitions

In 2016, Bhumika Dube arrived in Mumbai after completing her studies at the National School of Drama. During that time, she was still trying to grasp the art of acting for the camera. To begin her journey, she participated in various independent short films that received a positive reception at various festivals. In 2018, she had the opportunity to act in movies such as Motichoor Chaknachoor, and since then, she has taken on a few minor roles in other films and done around 45 AD commercials. She added, "Over the past 6 years, I have noticed not only an increase in significant roles but also in my screen presence."

Dube believes artists of all types dedicate themselves to regular practice to refine their craft. "Painters spend countless hours painting, dancers devote themselves to dancing, and singers constantly work on their voices. However, there's no one-size-fits-all method for actors to keep their skills sharp. For me, I'm fortunate to engage in both theatre performances and reading books to stay connected to storytelling, which I believe is at the heart of acting," she explains. 

When asked what type of roles resonate with her the most, Dube shared, "Over the past decade, there has been a significant change in the way female characters are written for the film industry. Personally, I always seek out roles that are challenging and unconventional. I do not mind if the character is portrayed as simple, as long as there are multiple layers to their personality."

She also revealed that there are some directors she admires and aspires to collaborate with for such roles, "Recently, I've been inspired by the work of directors like Reema Kagti, Neeraj Ghyawan, Dibakar Banerjee, and Kiran Rao, aspiring to collaborate with them in the future."

In her recent film Barah By Barah, she takes on the role of Meena, a humble woman from Benaras. The movie delves into Meena's life as a devoted wife to the protagonist, Sooraj, and her duties as a caring mother and daughter-in-law. 

Discussing the intricacies of her character, she shared, "Despite her outward appearance, Meena exudes strong determination and confidence, making her a significant presence within the family."

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She further expressed, "It was a delightful experience collaborating with an exceptional cast in this film, including Gyanender Tripathi, Harish Khanna, Geetika Vidya, and Akash Sinha. Each member brings a unique essence to their performances, and I gleaned valuable insights from working alongside them."

In response to a question about her journey, the actor emphasised the importance of confidence in one's abilities. She acknowledged the presence of doubts in the craft but encouraged embracing insecurities and persisting nonetheless. Additionally, she highlighted the significance of broadening exposure to various literary genres to enhance knowledge and experience.

Addressing the highs and lows of life, she said, "Life encompasses both highs and lows, and it is impossible to appreciate one without the other. In today's age, social media plays a vital role in connecting with a wider audience. However, I advise aspiring actors not to become enslaved by social media. Instead, strive to produce independent and authentic content. Your true uniqueness lies in being your genuine self, rather than projecting an unrealistic image." Dube stressed the importance of infusing personal essence into every endeavour, emphasising its role in driving success.