In conversation with Swara Bhaskar
Nonika Singh
Frank and fearless, gifted actor Swara Bhaskar, is right now in a different space. Making a whole lot of political noises, she is the star campaigner for more than one candidate, cutting across political lines. But the actor always known for her strong political views has jumped into the political fray for, “this election is very critical as in last five years the idea of India is under attack.”
She further states, “My allegiance is for the Constitution of this country. Parties will come and go.” Sure you can read her cross-party affiliations, namely support for AAP’s Atishi, CPI candidate Kanhaiya and Congress’ Digvijay Singh, as anti-Modi stance. And she has no hesitation in calling out a party whose ideology she insists is not only out of sync with what she believes in but also the democratic values that our Constitution stands for. “Imagine a party trying to send a terror accused to Parliament teaching us a lesson on nationalism.”
While the ruling dispensation is a target of her sharp comments, surprisingly she will not hold Akshay Kumar accountable for his (in)famous apolitical interview of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Without batting an eyelid, she quips, “I am not holding Bollywood responsible for what is happening. Instead of questioning Akshay, it is the Prime Minister who needs to answer why he gave an interview in a staged manner as a propaganda tool.”
Her avatar of political campaigner has certainly opened her, ‘always a trolls’ favourite target’, to more trolling. She says, “As a society we have lost the civility to engage in conversations and state our agreements and disagreements in a civilised manner. The government has played a very irresponsible role and the BJP’s IT cell has promoted slander. It is strange and sad that the Prime Minister’s twitter handle follows so many real abusive motor-mouths who say things that are equivalent to abuse. It seems there is legitimisation of a culture of abuse.” Even though a vociferous critic of BJP’s policies she is not ruling out the possibility that the BJP might return to power. “But then one can control only one’s actions and role as a citizen in society. Everyone has right to participate in the democratic process.”
Politics on the anvil?
Does she envisage a political career few years down the line or may be in near future? Well, she is in no tearing hurry to join a political party. As of now she is busy with her acting career. So how has her life changed post the stupendous success of Veere Di Wedding? She might say sardonically and perhaps in jest, “People have found another reason to troll me with.” The truth is it has opened doors, raised the bar and she has her hands full. On the anvil is a web-series Rasbhari wherein she plays a sexy English teacher. Based in hinterland of UP, Rasbhari was selected for France’s Series Mania International Festival. Then there are a couple of film projects like Flesh about flesh trade. With yet another she intends to turn a producer. Amidst all this will she find time to tie the knot with her beau Himanshoo Sharma? She smiles, “That has become a big public question and in our family too.”
And one question we can’t resist asking is since acting is such an internal process, how does she deal with all the negativity that comes her way thanks to her candid viewpoints. She says, “More than an actor, one is affected as a human being. It sure is hurtful.” Her opinionated outbursts may hide her sensitive being. But she sure is not thick-skinned and even takes umbrage on being addressed a motor-mouth. With a mind of her own and keen insight into the world she lives in, Swara is not just another actor who’ll simply parrot lines given to her.
nonikasingh@tribunemail.com
