Bhumi Pednekar Slams “Shortcut” Rumors: “People Asked if I Had a Rib Removed”

New Delhi, March 31, 2026: In an industry where physical transformations are often dissected under a microscope, actor Bhumi Pednekar is setting the record straight. Known for her chameleon-like ability to alter her appearance for roles—most notably gaining 30kg for her debut in Dum Laga Ke Haisha—Bhumi has recently faced a wave of speculation regarding her slimmed-down physique.

In a candid conversation on Soha Ali Khan’s podcast, All About Her, the actor revealed the bizarre and often invasive questions she faces, including rumors of surgical intervention and the use of weight-loss “quick fixes.”

The “Rib Removal” and Ozempic Rumors

As weight-loss injectables like Ozempic and Mounjaro dominate global health conversations, Bhumi expressed frustration that her decade-long commitment to fitness is being overshadowed by assumptions of medical shortcuts.

“People have even asked me if I’ve had a rib removed,” Bhumi shared, highlighting the extremes to which public imagination travels.

She further noted that in places like Delhi, women frequently approach her with blunt questions, asking, “Aapne bhi Ozempic liya hai?” (Have you also taken Ozempic?). Bhumi clarified that while she does not judge those who require medical assistance for health reasons, her own 40kg transformation was achieved through consistent discipline, clean eating, and rigorous training.A Journey Marked by Health Struggles

Bhumi opened up about a particularly grueling phase in late 2023 that contributed to her recent weight loss. While preparing for a character, she was hospitalized with a severe case of dengue.

• The Physical Toll: The illness resulted in her losing 12kg and nearly half of her hair.
• The Recovery: She described the “unmatched pain” of being bedridden during Diwali, recovering while the world celebrated outside.

“What about the fact that I’ve put 10 years into working out and eating right?” she asked, pointing out that the public often ignores the years of “riyaz” (practice) and lifestyle changes in favor of sensationalist theories.

Prioritizing Health Over Roles

Speaking recently at the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026, Bhumi emphasized a shift in her perspective. Having spent years fluctuating her weight for various characters, she is now prioritizing her long-term well-being.

“As a woman, as your age increases, your body’s ability to take that weight gain and loss reduces,” she noted at the festival. “Now, I prioritize my health and my body over the parts.”

What’s Next for the Actor?

Despite the noise surrounding her appearance, Bhumi’s career remains on an upward trajectory. After a successful 2025 with releases like Mere Husband Ki Biwi and the record-breaking Netflix series The Royals, she kicked off 2026 with the gritty crime thriller Daldal.

For Bhumi, the message is clear: her body is a testament to her hard work, not a medical miracle. By speaking out, she hopes to redirect the conversation away from “size zero” obsessions and back toward genuine, sustainable health.