Swara Bhaskar: I don’t believe in doing bold roles for the sake of glamour

Actor Swara Bhaskar received critical acclaim for her portrayal of an erotic folk dance in Bihar in her last film, Anaarkali of Aarah.

Swara Bhaskar doesn’t believe in being apologetic. Whether it’s about speaking her mind or portraying roles that push the envelope, the actor takes it all with a pinch of salt. Swara was last seen in the film Anaarkali of Aarah [March 2017] where she essayed the role of a small-town erotic folk dancer in Bihar.

Swara Bhaskar says she has to be convinced about roles that she portrays on-screen.

About the fact that her role received much critical acclaim, Swara says she was adamant to make her character difficult and unapologetic towards sexuality, and it was consciously kept that way in the film. “The bravest thing we’ve done is to actually create a character that makes audience feel uncomfortable. I used to argue with the director that let’s not apologise on her behalf, or give any justification of her character. Let her be someone who makes a person, who is very moralistic, feel uncomfortable. Let’s cash in on the fact that ‘yes I am characterless, so now what’ and I feel that has been the bravest move,” recalls the 29-year-old.

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

The actor, who has worked in films such as Tanu Weds Manu (2010), Raanjhanaa (2013) and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015), adds that for a performing artist, acting is a profession. “The reason I’m playing a particular role has to be credible enough for me 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 the best shot. And then, it’s my right to feel safe and protected when I’m doing something like that,” she concludes.

Follow @htshowbiz for more