Bhumi Pednekar is not only making waves in Bollywood, but is determined to use her public platform to create social impact.
A regular campaigner for women's rights and closing the gender pay gap, Pednekar is equally passionate about raising awareness of climate change, and believes the Indian film industry can play a part in helping the planet be a better place.
Speaking to Draw Your Box at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne recently, the 34-year-old said there are "a lot of changes" required within the Indian film industry.
"We definitely are an industry that doesn't necessarily recycle the most – like most industries," she explained. "But I feel like you have to change."
Pednekar has long used her non-profit advocacy platform, Climate Warrior, to encourage institutions and individuals to take environmental conservation and climate change seriously. One of her greatest aims is in helping people realise that by adopting more eco-friendly practices in their daily lives, they can make a significant difference.
"I have always felt I could do more because as an actor, I can use my voice to reach out to a large number of people,” Pednekar told Variety in June.
“Climate action needs sustained efforts on a daily basis from individuals, communities and authorities. We need to work as a team and as individuals who are climate warriors. We need an urgent plan of action to save the planet that we inhabit. We cannot believe that someone else will do the job for us."
Pednekar is currently promoting her latest film, Thank You For Coming, which released in cinemas on October 6.
Also starring the likes of Shehnaaz Gill, Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila and Shibani Bedi, the movie revolves around a woman entering her 30s who's never experienced an orgasm. It's unquestionably a must-see for women, but men could benefit from watching the film that fights the taboo around speaking about women's sexual pleasure, and also explores female friendship.