‘No bold roles just for glam’

Actor Swara Bhaskar is okay with skin show on the big screen as long as she’s convinced about the role

Her last film, Anaarkali of Aarah, saw actor Swara Bhaskar essay the role of a small-town erotic folk dancer in Bihar. The role got her much critical acclaim, and the actor is glad that her character was shown to be unapologetic about her sexuality. Swara was, in fact, adamant to show her as a “difficult” one.

“The bravest thing we’ve done is to create a character that makes the audience feel uncomfortable. I used to argue with the director (Avinash Das) that let’s not apologise on her behalf, or give any justification of her character. Let her be someone who makes a moralistic person feel uncomfortable. Let’s cash in on the fact that ‘Yes, I am characterless, so now what?’... I feel that has been the bravest move,” recalls the 29-year-old.

While many female actors get apprehensive about playing erotic roles onscreen, Swara says if one’s convinced about their part, what’s the harm? “What I did in the film was because I believed in the character, story and our intention. I don’t believe in doing erotic and bold roles for the sake of glamour. It’s my job to be convinced about projecting my own body and my chemistry on the big screen,” she says.

The actor, who has worked in films such as Tanu Weds Manu (2010), Raanjhanaa (2013) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), adds that the role has to be credible enough for her to take it up. “I am an actor and a professional, so I have to ensure that whatever role I portray on-screen; I make it successful by giving it my best shot. And then, it’s my right to feel safe and protected when I’m doing something like that,” she concludes.

I’m a professional, so I have to ensure that whatever role I portray on-screen; I make it successful by giving it my best shot SWARA BHASKAR, ACTOR