Movie Review: Thank You For Coming - 3.5/5

# Bhumi Pednekar's Raw Confession: How Trolling After *The Royals* Left Her Numb and Sparked a 9-Month Acting Hiatus Imagine pouring your soul into a role, only to face a storm of trolls and bots that leaves you questioning your talent—**that's exactly what happened to Bhumi Pednekar after *The Royals***.[1][3][5] The Netflix series, a romantic comedy-drama about a struggling royal family turning their palace into a luxury resort, starred Bhumi alongside Ishaan Khatter, Zeenat Aman, and others, and was renewed for a second season despite the backlash.[3] But for Bhumi, the harsh criticism hit hard, making her feel "numb, lost, and depleted" as an actor and person.[3][5][6]

Bhumi Pednekar in a moment of reflection (Unsplash free stock image).

In a candid interview with *The Hollywood Reporter India*, Bhumi opened up about the toll of a decade of non-stop work—from gaining 30 kg for her debut in *Dum Laga Ke Haisha* to tackling complex characters.[1][2][4] After *The Royals* dropped in May 2025, the trolling and bots overwhelmed her, mixed with some constructive feedback she sifted through.[2][5] "I had completely lost perspective of who I am as an actor and as a person," she shared, admitting she even wondered, "Can I actually act?"[1][3] Emotionally drained, she stepped away from sets since June 2025—a voluntary nine-month break where she turned down films, cheques, award shows, and events to "reconnect with myself."[1][2][6] This wasn't downtime; it was a reset. Bhumi watched her past work, read books, traveled, took a Harvard course, and tested her resilience: "If I was to lose everything, will I survive? And I know I will."[1][3][4] Inspired by Imran Khan's comeback, she emerged "replenished and ready," stronger against mediocrity fears.[2][5] Now, Bhumi's roaring back. Catch her first as Rita Ferreira, a broken Mumbai top cop, in the crime thriller *Daldal* (starring Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori), dropping on Prime Video India on January 30.[1][2][4] Then, in March 2026, she hits sets for a theatrical courtroom drama tackling sexual violence against women and marginalized communities—a project she's prepped for two months.[1][2][7] Bhumi's story is a powerful reminder for every artist: **sometimes, stepping back is the ultimate power move**. Trolling can't dim true talent.[5] What do you think—has backlash ever made you question your path? **Drop a comment below with your thoughts, share this post if Bhumi's resilience inspires you, and hit that follow for more Bollywood deep dives!**
Citations
1.https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/bhumi-pednekar-9-month-break-acting-the-royals-backlash-harvard-course-10488058/
2.https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/had-to-reconnect-with-myself-bhumi-pednekar-on-9-month-acting-break-after-the-royals-backlash-aa-9849693.html
3.https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/bhumi-pednekar-felt-numb-lost-after-the-royals-criticism-reveals-taking-break-from-acting-101769075858730.html
4.https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/bhumi-pednekar-opens-up-on-taking-a-break-in-2025_-81109.html
5.https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/features/insight/bhumi-pednekar-on-navigating-trolling-and-taking-a-break-in-2025-i-felt-depleted-as-an-actor
6.https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/why-bhumi-pednekar-went-numb-after-being-trolled-for-the-royals-10830683
7.https://punemirror.com/entertainment/bhumi-pednekar-the-royals-backlash-break-harvard/
8.https://amp.ibtimes.co.in/broken-completely-done-bhumi-pednekar-took-6-month-break-amid-royals-backlash-896610
9.


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