Bhumi Pednekar turns entrepreneur to sell premium water. Check per bottle prices

Time of India

3 days ago

Product Expansion Plans
From Siblings to Business Partners
Bollywood actor Bhumi Pednekar and her sister Samiksha Pednekar have combined their professional ambitions and personal bond to launch a premium beverage brand, Backbay. The venture, which has been two years in the making, marks their entry into the bottled water market while also highlighting their shared values, family connection, and entrepreneurial drive. Alongside building a business together, the sisters continue to cherish their traditions, especially the festival of Raksha Bandhan, which they say reflects the foundation of their partnership.In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Bhumi shared that the sisters have established their own manufacturing unit in Himachal Pradesh to produce natural mineral water directly at the source. The facility has a daily capacity of 45,000 boxes, and the workforce is largely women-led.Backbay's first product comes in 500 ml and 750 ml variants, priced at ₹150 and ₹200 respectively. Speaking to Business Today, Bhumi explained that the pricing sits between high-end glass-bottled water, which can cost up to ₹600, and premium plastic-bottled water, priced up to ₹90. She said the aim was to make the product premium yet accessible.Bhumi noted that Backbay uses Gable Top Paper packaging, uncommon in the Indian market, and features bio caps to reduce environmental impact. According to her, they are currently the only brand in India using this packaging style. Samiksha added that the brand is also developing flavoured sparkling water options, including lychee, peach, and lime.Describing the water as Himalayan premium water naturally rich in minerals and electrolytes, Bhumi outlined a goal of reaching ₹100 crore in revenue within four years and eventually making Backbay a household name.The launch has been followed by Raksha Bandhan, a festival the sisters have celebrated since childhood. Speaking to Bombay Times, Bhumi recalled how their mother kept photographs of them tying rakhis over the years. She shared that the meaning of the festival has evolved for them, focusing more on mutual protection and support.Samiksha remembered buying rakhis and sending them to cousins, a tradition they still maintain. Both have also formed bonds with 'rakhi brothers' outside their family, including friends who have taken on protective roles in their lives.After the passing of their father, the Pednekar sisters faced one of the most difficult times in their lives. Samiksha expressed how Bhumi took charge of family responsibilities, shielding her from pain and ensuring stability at home. Bhumi described it as a natural step for her, adding that her sister continues to be her strongest emotional protector.