Reflecting on four transformative years, ‘Badhaai Do’ continues to be celebrated for pushing boundaries in Indian cinema. Starring the versatile Rajkummar Rao and the dynamic Bhumi Pednekar, this 2022 comedy-drama ignited nationwide debates on lavender marriages, queer rights, and familial expectations.
Harshavardhan Kulkarni’s direction brings to life Shardul Thakur, a gay policeman (Rajkummar), and Suman Singh, a lesbian schoolteacher (Bhumi), who enter a marriage of convenience. Their shared living arrangement unravels layers of pretense, humor, and raw emotion, spotlighting the LGBTQ community’s fight for visibility.
Bhumi commemorated the occasion with an Instagram video highlight, noting her enduring love for the film’s spirit. While commercial success was modest amid mixed feedback, its narrative courage and stellar acting won hearts, fostering empathy and dialogue.
Gulshan Devaiah, Chum Darang, Sheeba Chaddha, and Seema Pahwa delivered unforgettable supporting turns. Today, ‘Badhaai Do’ symbolizes a milestone in Bollywood’s inclusivity journey. Bhumi’s fans are now hyped for ‘Daldal’, her intense series role as a police officer, with the teaser hinting at a riveting thriller ahead.