Bhumi Pednekar talks about her efforts in creating a sustainable ecosystem for animals

Be it advocating the implementation of toilets inside one’s rural household, starring in a movie that promoted a man learning to love himself despite being bald, or letting the world know what a lavender marriage is, actor Bhumi Pednekar has always been one to care. Life off-camera is exactly the same for her as she makes her opinions heard as a climate change warrior and an animal lover. Combining the two, she was seen putting her best foot forward along with Priya Agarwal Hebbar—Anchor, Taco and the Founder of YODA (Youth Organization in Defense of Animals) as part of the Animal Care Organization (TACO) and Climate Warrior’s effort, via a walkathon, that aims to establish a sustainable ecosystem for the well-being of animals. Safe to say, there’s simply no stopping Pednekar as she urges people to care about species other than themselves. 

We caught up with the actor, who in an exclusive interview with Cosmopolitan India spoke about how people can make strays feel warm, what her spirit animal is and which animal she would love to share screen space with. 

Cosmopolitan India: What should people do or know about so they can be kind to pets and strays alike?

Bhumi Pednekar: Honestly, a couple of years ago, I was that person who would be extremely fearful of animals. I always loved them and did my little bit by collaborating with organisations like YODA. I remember my mother always putting a bowl of water on the balcony for the birds to drink water. I believe that these little acts of kindness go a big way. We can’t really change or force someone who’s scared of animals to physically go and do something. But there are so many other ways by which they can impact an animal’s life. I think, just by having an atmosphere that is empathetic, and inclusive—that mindset is important. If you see someone hitting a stray with a stone, go stop them. Be sensitive to the fact that during Diwali, when we burst crackers, our little friends are scared. You don’t have to go and physically pet them, but you can create an environment that is sustainable for animals as well. Start by supporting organisations that work with animal welfare. The idea is to leave behind a world that is abundant and healthy where humans and animals co-exist. This is our home to share. 

Priya Agarwal Hebbar: We must just ensure that we look after the animals in the community around them. Giving them water, and getting them vaccinated and sterilized are all things that are very easy to do. If each community adopts the animals around them, there’s a lot that you can do with a little bit of help and that I believe can lead to the change that we want to see. People should understand that vaccinating and sterilizing the animals is going to make the latter less aggressive and keep their population under control. There are ways to talk to them and let them know that we’re sharing the world with them and make sure that they get as much of a right to existence and happiness as we do. If they’re afraid, there are things that we can do to reduce their fear and help the animals at the same time. 

CI: How do you feel about buying vs. adopting pets?

BP: My journey with animals is very recent because I was so fearful of them. It started with my first puppy named Beau and then my second pup named Bruno, who I adopted from YODA. I remember when I saw Bruno’s picture for the first time, he was injured and was getting the best medical help. He was frail, scared, and looked traumatised. But once I got him home, I realised that the practice of buying dogs for me, at this moment personally is not acceptable. If you’re hell-bent on doing it, it is your choice as every animal needs a home at the end of the day. But just make sure you’re not getting it through an illegal breeder. Do things ethically. 

PAH: The logic behind adopting is that if you’re looking to get a pet at home, why do you have to choose a certain breed and buy one when there are so many strays who are suffering? This could be because they don’t have access to food, or see their mother die when they’re babies. They need a life. You may not be changing your entire world, but you’ll change theirs. So trying to get that thought out there is very important as it’ll make a difference and bring about change for the better. If someone still wants to still go out there and buy a specific breed, then please make sure that you get one from a shelter as we see many come there. If you’re adamant, do buy one from a certified and licensed breeder. Make sure you meet the pet’s parents and do so in a manner that’s ethical. For me, adoption will always be the first choice. 

CI: You are a climate warrior as well as a person who stands up against animal cruelty and has given up meat. Do you think we'll get to see you in a movie that tells us why a global shift towards animal-free eating is necessary to combat the worst effects of climate change?

BP: I don’t know (laughs). But look, I’ve always tried that my thoughts, morals, and practices resonate in the films that I do. I have made a very big lifestyle change by going vegetarian and openly propagating that one should choose to practice a plant-based vegetarian diet. But I think animal kindness is not about what you consume. It’s definitely a part of your consumption practices, but I feel it’s about being responsible for every action that you have.  

CI: Since we're talking about animals, what is your spirit animal?

BP: I think it’d have to be a peacock. 

CI: If you had to star alongside an animal in a movie? What would it be?

BP: It’d be a bear.