Actor Bhumi Pednekar and her sister, lawyer-entrepreneur Samiksha Pednekar, are stepping into the wellness space with their newly launched hydration brand, Backbay. In an exclusive conversation with IMPACT Magazine, the duo opened up about the inspiration behind the brand, the gap they spotted in India’s wellness beverage market, and why creating something purposeful was non-negotiable. The sisters describe Backbay as a blend of style, sustainability, and substance, designed to stand out on the shelf and make a positive impact.
The conversation touched upon the creative journey of building Backbay from scratch, from nailing the right formulation to designing eco-conscious packaging that doesn’t compromise on aesthetics. Bhumi shared how the brand aligns with her and Samiksha’s personal values and advocacy for a better planet. Both emphasised the importance of delivering a premium experience while staying authentic to their mission.
Reflecting on their distinct career paths, the sisters revealed how their individual strengths complemented each other in this venture. Bhumi’s experience in storytelling and audience connection paired seamlessly with Samiksha’s business acumen, making Backbay a true meeting point of creativity and strategy. Samiksha highlighted that Bhumi would be looking into the brand building and long term vision of the brand, while she would be looking into the day to day operations.
Backbay’s entry comes at a time when India’s premium and functional hydration market is undergoing rapid transformation. As awareness around health and environmental concerns continue to rise, consumer preferences are shifting away from sugary sodas and PET bottles, often associated with microplastics, toward cleaner beverage alternatives and more sustainable packaging.