Swara Bhaskar needs no introduction. She started her film journey with Madholal Keep Walking, followed by Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-Hrithik Roshan starrer Guzaarish, but both went unnoticed. However, she emerged as a powerhouse of talent with her supporting role in Tanu Weds Manu and since then there was no stopping for her.
From supporting cast to the lead actress in Nil Battey Sannata, her film journey has a wonderful upward graph and now she has ventured into the web series space. In an exclusive chat with International Business Times India, Swara opened up about her web series venture, her equation with Sonam Kapoor and her experience working with Kareena Kapoor Khan.
Here are the edited excerpts from the interview –
International Business Times: Why did you decide to make a web-series debut with It's not that simple?
Swara: It is a really nice, fresh, modern, rational and honest take on urban relationships. And what I think is the nicest part is that it is honest and unapologetic, which we don't see that often nowadays. The series is about a married woman who is dealing with her married status.
IBT: So what is your take on extra-marital affairs?
Swara: There is no question of supporting extra-marital affairs. I think people should firstly understand that it is not a new thing. This has been happening since forever. In the past, it was acceptable for men to be in an extra-marital relationship, it was considered almost normal. Even women had been in an extra-marital affair, so we shouldn't forget that and it is not something which is very new. It is just in a modern-day relationship, equality and equal partnership has become the ideal of marriage, that is why extra-marital affair has been sensationalised so much nowadays.
IBT: Why web series and why not television?
Swara: Personally, I haven't got any exciting offer for a television show. I think web space is the new, exciting and imaginative space to work and at this point, it is not being censored, which is good at this point in India. So that is why I was really excited to work in a web series.
IBT: What according to you is the future of web series in India?
Swara: The future of web series looks good because there is not a lot of interference and there is a growing audience for it. It seems to me that there is a positive trend for drama shows like Permanent Roommates and Tripling, which TVF did, and I think Voot had lots of success in their web shows. Even Netflix and Amazon are a big market in India. So, I think it has a good future and also as an actor, it is giving us a new platform to showcase our talent.
IBT: Do you think you will connect with the audience more on a web series platform rather than TV or films?
Swara: I think they will do because web space is a very intimate space and you can watch it in the intimacy of your room or in an office or alone. So I think there is a different kind of connection that allows you to watch in a relaxed way and in a different way. And I hope that the audience will connect with me and support me.
IBT: Talking about your next Bollywood film, you are reuniting with Sonam.
Swara: It is amazing to work with Sonam always. I have always loved Sonam and always enjoyed working with her. And in Veere Di Wedding, Rhea is also on board and I have a good rapport with her as well. She is a good friend of mine, so am always happy to work with Sonam. I am also very excited for Veere Di Wedding.
IBT: You are working Kareena for the first time, what do you have to say about that
Swara: I am looking forward to working with Kareena. She has always been an inspiration for us. In my meetings with her during the movie discussions, she has come out as a mild person and a very chilled out person. She is also a great actor, so matching her calibre on the screen will be a big task for me.
