Choosing a keynote speaker for a conference like Together is tricky. The audience is filled with accomplished individuals who’ve attended world-class events. You need someone who can truly stand out—someone with that “wow” factor. We got really lucky with two unbelievable keynotes from the Parlalympic medalist, Simran Sharma (bit more on her later) and actor, Bhumi Pednekar. It was a beautiful relay. Simran set the stage, and Bhumi brought it home. They embodied everything Together stands for: boldness, authenticity, and challenging the status quo
A bit more on Bhumi. While our previous conversations were enjoyable, the session we had was on another level, as you can see from the photos—it was an absolute blast! Bhumi’s charisma made hosting seem effortless, and some even joked that I should start a talk show. What really stood out was her candidness on important issues.
Confession time: I grew up as a chubby kid, and hence even now, I feel uncomfortable being photographed if I gain a few kilos. Bhumi, on the other hand, gained 15 kilos for her debut film, breaking the mold of how actresses are “supposed” to look. That takes incredible courage. She shared that she was just happy to land the role, reminding me of Sheryl Sandberg’s powerful words: 'If you're offered a seat on a rocket ship, don’t ask what seat—just get on.' 🚀
Two of my favorite Bhumi films, Toilet: Ek Prem Katha and Thank You For Coming, tackle topics that most people shy away from. Like her films, Bhumi is a revelation. She extended her time at the event, participating in 'Founder Speak Out,' one of the most talked-about sessions. Bhumi engaged with every founder, listened intently, and surprised many by knowing the startup brands present, delighting the founders. Just when we thought she would leave to rest, she joined us at the cocktail reception and stayed as long as her flight allowed.
There’s a common perception that Bollywood actors are aloof or unapproachable. However, Bhumi, much like her films, shattered that stereotype entirely.
Ps- I also think she is super gorgeous inside and out 🤩
#togethertribe #shecapital