Raksha Bandhan 2025: Bhumi Pednekar Says Sister Samiksha ‘Can Go Up Against The World For Me'

News18

5 days ago

This Raksha Bandhan, Bhumi Pednekar shares heartfelt memories with sister Samiksha, speaking about their bond, mutual protection, and journey from siblings to business partners.
For Bhumi Pednekar and her sister Samiksha, the word 'Raksha" in Raksha Bandhan isn't just a tradition — it's a way of life. The Bollywood actor and her younger sister are inseparable, describing themselves as best friends first and siblings second. This year, they celebrate the festival not only as sisters but also as business partners, having recently ventured into a joint entrepreneurial journey.
Speaking exclusively on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhumi shares how their bond has evolved over the years, particularly after the loss of their father. 'My mom has pictures of us tying rakhis from the time we were little kids. Over the years, the meaning of the ritual has changed for us. At its core, Raksha Bandhan is all about supporting your sibling, protecting them, and just being there for each other," she says.
Samiksha fondly recalls how the excitement for Rakhi would begin well before the festival. 'Rakhi would start 10 days before. We'd go rakhi shopping and send rakhis via post to our cousin brothers. To this day, we still do that," she says.
Brothers Beyond Blood
Over the years, the Pednekar sisters have also formed strong bonds with 'brothers from another mother." Bhumi reveals that she has several rakhi brothers, including Nikhil Shetty, whom she met during her early years in the industry. 'He was Shanoo Sharma's rakhi brother, and that's how I met him. He's one of the strongest people I know and has supported me so much. After I lost my father, he just took on that role so beautifully in my life."
A Bond Forged in Loss and Strength
The passing of their father was a turning point in the sisters' relationship. Samiksha recalls, 'When Dad passed away, Bhumi transformed so quickly. She took over my pain. She took over the responsibility of the house. I really felt that protection."
Bhumi adds that stepping up for her family felt instinctive. 'It just happened very organically. We all stood up for each other. That's what a family unit does — you stand up when the other person is falling. To this day, the only person who truly, even emotionally, protects me from the world is my sister. Nobody can say anything about me in front of Samiksha. She can go up against the world for me."
Now, the sisters are also co-founders of a venture they started together, navigating their professional relationship with the same ease they share at home. 'Without defining boundaries, we've figured out each other's boundaries," Bhumi says with a laugh. 'The beauty of our relationship is that we fight every five minutes. They might look like fights to the world, but to us, it's just our way of communicating."
Standing Guard Against the Trolls
As Bhumi stepped into the spotlight with her acting career, Samiksha found herself instinctively protective of her sister, especially against the darker side of fame. 'When she became an actor, social media was new. Somewhere in the middle of her career, it picked up, and the trolls came about. I would go on their page, report, and even comment back. Bhumi always told me not to engage with the trolls, but then how do you not engage when you see something like that? I would engage without telling her," Samiksha admits.
More Than Sisters
For the Pednekar sisters, their relationship is a blend of sibling banter, shared grief, mutual protection, and unwavering support. Whether they're tying rakhis, managing their business, or simply bickering over trivial things, their bond is a testament to the enduring strength of sisterhood.
As Bhumi sums it up, 'We're not just sisters. We're each other's protectors, cheerleaders, and partners in everything life throws our way."
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