Bollywood actress Bhumi Pednekar, currently on a three-day visit to Sikkim, has expressed a heartfelt desire to return to the northeastern state for a film shoot, describing the experience as transformative. Her visit to Gangtok on 11 June has drawn attention to Sikkim's growing appeal as both a filming destination and a model for environmental governance.

A Personal Connection With Sikkim's Green Ethos

Pednekar, a vocal sustainability advocate, said she felt an immediate resonance with the state's environmental priorities. 'What I connected with most deeply is the fact that Sikkim is a climate-first, environment-first, green state. For somebody like me, whose life's passion is sustainability and environmental conservation, I resonated very deeply with everything that the state stands for,' she said.

The actress credited both residents and policymakers for embedding ecological conservation into everyday governance, singling out the state's ban on single-use plastics as a standout initiative worth replicating nationwide.

'Heaven on Earth': Pednekar on Sikkim's Natural Beauty

Visibly moved by the landscapes, Pednekar described Sikkim as nothing short of extraordinary. 'You people are so lucky. You literally live in heaven. I don't think there was a single view that I saw and wasn't amazed by,' she said. She also revealed that the state's serene environment facilitated one of her most profound meditation experiences. 'One of the quickest and strongest meditation sessions I have ever had happened here because of the energy and vibrations of this place,' she added.

A Call for Other States to Follow Sikkim's Lead

Going beyond personal admiration, Pednekar used her platform to advocate for wider policy change. 'Now more than ever, we need climate-first policies. Other states should get inspired by what Sikkim is doing, whether it is the ban on single-use plastics or the general empathy and love towards nature,' she said. Sikkim has long been regarded as a pioneer in organic farming and environmental policy, having become India's first fully organic state in 2016 — a distinction that continues to draw global attention.

What's Next for Bhumi Pednekar

On the work front, the actress — known for films such as Pati Patni Aur Woh — is preparing for season two of her critically noted series Daldal. She has also been confirmed for an upcoming romantic comedy co-starring Imran Khan. Whether Sikkim makes it onto her shooting schedule remains to be seen, but her public endorsement is likely to put the state on the radar of more Bollywood productions.