Mumbai: Actress Bhumi Pednekar was in tears when her debut movie "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" was chosen for the Best Hindi Film honour at the 63rd National Film Awards. She says she will be ready for its sequel, but she has an interesting condition.
Asked if there's any plan for a "Dum Laga Ke Haisha" sequel, Bhumi, who had gained almost 30 kg for the role of an overweight woman in the movie, quipped: "Only when Ayushmaan will be gaining weight instead of me."
On a serious note, the actress, who is now back to being fit and fabulous, said she never expected a National Award for the Sharat Katariya directorial, which was lauded by many for telling a heartwarming tale with a message.
"Sharat sir and I got emotional when we heard the news. I was in tears as I never expected this honour. Being my first film, 'Dum Laga Ke Haisha' will always be special for me. However, I never expected this kind of appreciation, and I didn't even imagine getting awards.
"Now receiving a National Award is like an icing on the cake (for the team)," Bhumi said.
Recollecting an embarrassing incident from the set of the movie, the 26-year-old actress said: "I felt really embarrassed when I had to climb on Ayushmann's back for a scene. I was 90 kg and I thought how Auyshmann would do it. I felt bad for him. But he was such a gentleman every time that after the shot, he used to ask me if I was okay."
After portraying the role of an overweight married woman, Bhumi's transformation from fat to fit has been quite amazing.
Talking about it, she said: "I worked hard on my fitness. Though I miss the foodie in me, I follow the strict diet and workout. Now it happens to be my normal lifestyle."
On the work front, Bhumi and Ayushmann have been paired once again in "Manmarziyan". The film will also be starring Vicky Kaushal of "Masaan" fame.
