A Sparkling Diwali With The Firebrand Actress – Swara Bhasker
“Diwali brings people together and there is always hope for a better future.” – Swara Bhasker By Shweta Kulkarni
Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, and that is what the versatile actress Swara Bhasker finds most appealing about the festival of lights.
In an exclusive interview with Darpan, the talented actress talks about her favourite Diwali moments and the joy that this festival brings to her heart.
Unapologetically fearless, the firebrand actress Swara Bhasker is no less of a phataka in reel life as well as real! While as a powerhouse performer, she has effortlessly walked from one diverse role to another on-screen, off-screen the gutsy gal has never shied away from speaking her mind when the need arises.
Even if it means getting constantly subjected to trolls and haters on the internet. A self-confessed feminist, Swara has carved an impressive niche for herself in the Hindi film industry with her memorable and power-packed characters — in both art-house and commercial movies.
From playing the unconventional friend – Payal to Kangana Ranaut’s character in the Tanu Weds Manu franchise to the determined household help Chanda of Nil Battey Sannata, who was willing to go to any length to educate her daughter… To the outspoken and bold Sakshi of Veere Di Wedding, who seamlessly brought to the commercial screens the subject of women’s sexual desire, to portraying a small-town dancer in Anaarkali of Aarah – Swara has portrayed each character unabashedly, giving the audience a glimpse of her versatility.
Currently, gathering praises from all quarters for her recently released web-series – Flesh and Rasbhari, Swara is now all set to wow the audience yet again with another OTT serving - Bhaag Beanie Bhaag.
As the festive season sets in, Darpan caught hold of the feisty actress amid her busy schedule to talk about the festival of lights, her fondest memories of Diwali, her journey to B-town and her upcoming projects.
The festival of lights is finally upon us, what is the significance of Diwali for you?
Diwali's significance for me will always be a reminder that we can find light and happiness even in the darkest of times. The festival brings people together and there is always hope for a better future. Diwali is all about spending time with your family and loved ones, bingeing on delicacies, lighting up the house…
What do you like the most about the festival of lights? Diwali has always been such a special day for me and my family. More than anything, I think it is about making memories. The festivity, the food, the bonding and the joy Diwali brings, is something very close to my heart.
Like you mentioned, the festival of Diwali is about making memories, can you share your fondest memory of the festival?
There are so many memories of Diwali that it is difficult to pick one over the other. But I think decorating the house every year with my family brings a strong sense of nostalgia for me.
How do you usually celebrate Diwali?
I try to be with my parents every year. That is very important to me. But there have been exceptions to that because of my work schedule.
Do you have any special plans for Diwali this year?
I will be celebrating Diwali with my parents this year. So, what’s happening on the work front? I am finishing Bhaag Beanie Bhag for Netflix and waiting for Sheer Qorma to reach the audience.
Apart from these exciting projects, we have even recently heard about the sequel to your 2018 hit Veere Di Wedding, can you tell us a bit more about the project?
I think it would be superb if the sequel to Veere Di Wedding happens. I would love to be part of it. It is a very special film and a sequel to it would be as kickass as it the first one! Speaking about kickass, there is a lot of buzz about your recent web-series Flesh and Rasbhari as well, what do you have to say about the response? I loved the response both Flesh and Rasbhari got! It goes on to say so much about the changing demand of the audience. They were two very different characters and I am very grateful to the audience for loving them and giving so much admiration!
Can you share a little bit about your upcoming show - Bhaag Beanie Bhaag and elaborate on the character you play in the series?
I play a stand-up comic in the show. There has never been a story on a female stand-up comic and it has a very interesting sketch to it. I am sure that the audience will love this new angle to a female stand-up comic life.
You made your web debut in 2016, and now you have more web projects lined up… Are you enjoying being on the OTT space?
Absolutely! It's a new kind of storytelling and has a lot of new things to offer. It is challenging and exciting at the same time and it gives a great deal of satisfaction to an actor.
How would you define your professional journey, from doing plays in Delhi to carving a remarkable niche for yourself in the entertainment industry?
It has been fun and satisfying so far, but I have miles to go and so many more characters to explore. I have been very grateful that the audience has loved my work and that has only encouraged me to work harder and continue entertaining them as long as I can.
What has been the most defining moment of your career?
The most defining moment of my career was playing Anaarkali of Aarah.
As a creative person, what are your strongest and weakest points?
My strongest point is being able to connect emotionally with every character I play and my weakest point is lack of discipline.
What was your perception of the entertainment industry when you started your career, and how has that perception changed over the years?
I have always looked at this industry like it is some kind of magical wonderland. With so many stories, with so many characters. My perception has not really changed. In fact, I have now become more smitten with the art of storytelling.
Of late, we have seen several women-centric movies and shows taking centre stage… what does this speak of our industry?
It has started changing in the last few years but I think a lot needs to be done. At least now people have been more vocal about it, stories have become more realistic and characters now have started depicting women in a way that was not done earlier. However, I do feel that a lot needs to be done.
You have always been fearless and outspoken and have supported social issues, but has it ever caused you any trouble, especially professionally?
I don't look at it as trouble. Yes, there have been certain objections but everyone has the right to speak their mind. It hasn't affected my projects and choices at all and it will never in future as well.
What are your future projects apart from Bhaag Beanie Bhaag and Sheer Qorma? Are there any other interesting projects that you have signed lately?
At the moment, I am waiting for Bhaag Beanie Bhaag and Sheer Qorma to release and then there are some interesting projects in the pipeline, which I will announce soon.
You have already established yourself as a stellar actress, what is your dream now?
My dream will always be to keep entertaining my loving audience and play more characters that are remembered in the world of filmmaking.
Well, we certainly would love that! Here’s more power to this fine actress, who is no less of a phataka on-screen and off-screen. Happy Diwali!