Bhumi Pednekar's Independence Day wish: a more inclusive, compassionate India
Synopsis
Bhumi Pednekar used Independence Day to call for a more inclusive and compassionate India — and doubled down with a career pivot: playing warrior queen Belawadi Mallamma in the ambitious two-part historical epic 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj', which has assembled an international action team behind the camera.
Key Takeaways
Bhumi Pednekar shared an Independence Day message on Instagram on 15 August , calling for a more equitable and inclusive India.
She will play Belawadi Mallamma , a warrior queen, in 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj' .
The film stars Rishab Shetty , Arjun Rampal , and Vivek Oberoi , directed by Sandeep Singh .
An international action team including Mark Henson (Game of Thrones, Gravity) and Vlad Rimburg (Fate of the Furious) was announced on 20 July .
The project is planned as a two-part saga , with music by Amit Trivedi and lyrics by Prasoon Joshi .
Actress Bhumi Pednekar marked Independence Day on 15 August by sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram, reflecting on India's diversity and resilience while calling for a more equitable, inclusive, and compassionate nation. The post, accompanied by a series of photographs, also honoured the sacrifices that secured the country's freedom.
What She Said
In her caption, Pednekar wrote: 'Happy Independence Day. A country as diverse, resilient and extraordinary as ours is a privilege to call home. Here's to an India that continues to grow, evolve and become more equitable, inclusive and compassionate.'
She added: 'May we always remember the sacrifices that gave us our freedom, and do our part to build the India of our dreams. Jai Hind.'
Her Upcoming Role
Bhumi Pednekar will next be seen as Belawadi Mallamma, a fearless warrior queen celebrated for her courage and unwavering spirit, in the upcoming historical epic 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'. The film stars Rishab Shetty, Arjun Rampal, and Vivek Oberoi, among others.
About the Film
Directed and produced by Sandeep Singh, the project is planned as a two-part saga. The screenplay is by Rishi Virmani, with music composed by Amit Trivedi and lyrics penned by National Award-winning lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
On 20 July, the makers announced an acclaimed international action team to choreograph the film's battle sequences. The team includes Mark Henson, known for his work on Game of Thrones, Vikings, The Witcher, and Gravity; Vlad Rimburg, whose credits span The Fate of the Furious, Bloodshot, and Lucifer; and Craig Macrae, noted for his work on Troy: Fall of a City.
Broader Context
Pednekar's Independence Day message aligns with a pattern of Bollywood personalities using national occasions to voice social sentiments. Her choice to simultaneously highlight civic values and her next film underlines how celebrity platforms increasingly blend personal conviction with professional visibility. With 'The Pride of Bharat' shaping up as one of the more ambitious historical productions in recent years — drawing international action talent — the project is already attracting considerable industry attention ahead of its release.
Point of View
Or whether the star-studded cast and global crew translate into box-office returns, is the real question the industry is watching. Pednekar's casting as Belawadi Mallamma also continues a trend of mainstream Hindi cinema reclaiming regional historical figures — a space that South Indian cinema has dominated for nearly a decade.
NationPress
15 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bhumi Pednekar post on Independence Day?
Bhumi Pednekar shared a series of photographs on Instagram on 15 August with a caption calling for 'an India that continues to grow, evolve and become more equitable, inclusive and compassionate.' She also paid tribute to those whose sacrifices secured India's independence.
Who is Belawadi Mallamma?
Belawadi Mallamma was a fearless warrior queen known for her courage and unwavering spirit. Bhumi Pednekar will portray her in the upcoming historical film 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'.
What is 'The Pride of Bharat: Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj'?
It is an upcoming two-part historical epic directed and produced by Sandeep Singh, starring Rishab Shetty, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi, and Bhumi Pednekar. The film features a screenplay by Rishi Virmani, music by Amit Trivedi, and lyrics by National Award-winning lyricist Prasoon Joshi.
Who is handling the action sequences for the film?
An international action team announced on 20 July includes Mark Henson (Game of Thrones, Gravity), Vlad Rimburg (The Fate of the Furious, Bloodshot), and Craig Macrae (Troy: Fall of a City).
When was the international action team for the film announced?
The makers announced the international action team on 20 July, ahead of the film's production ramp-up.
