Swara Bhasker has always been known for her candid and unfiltered opinions on various social and political issues. In a recent interview with Connect Cine, the actress opened up about the professional setbacks she has faced due to her outspoken nature. Swara revealed that her forthrightness has often led to her being labeled as a controversial figure, which has, in turn, affected her career opportunities in the film industry.
Swara discussed the personal sacrifices she has made to stay true to her principles, shedding light on the challenging reality of balancing personal values with career ambitions in the entertainment industry. She reflected on the backlash she has faced for her outspoken views, including being marginalized by filmmakers and industry insiders. Swara emphasized that her decision to speak out on controversial issues was a deliberate choice. She acknowledged that she could have remained silent but chose to express her opinions, such as in her open letter about the Johar scene in “Padmaavat.”
Swara highlighted the importance of staying true to herself, stating that while she could have stayed silent, authenticity was vital. She pointed out that people might have complaints about her or dislike her, but no one can accuse her of being a liar or fake. She stated that her opinions remain consistent regardless of whom she is speaking to, and that remaining silent would have felt suffocating to her.
The actress’ political views and activism have led to significant trolling and harassment, impacting her career. Despite these obstacles, she remains committed to her beliefs and continues to use her platform to advocate for important issues. She candidly discussed how her outspokenness has affected her career, acknowledging that while she can endure criticism, the repercussions have been real and painful.
Before her daughter Raabiyaa was born, acting was her greatest passion, and she aspired to take on numerous roles. However, she faced fewer opportunities than she desired, which brought financial and emotional costs, along with reputational challenges. She is often seen as a controversial figure, and this perception has led to negative remarks from directors, producers, and distributors. While she has managed to persevere, she expressed that the most painful aspect is not having had the chance to fully experience the thing she loves most—acting.
Swara recounted a touching moment with her husband Fahad Ahmed, then her boyfriend, after the screening of her last film, “Jahaan Chaar Yaar.” She noted that while the film didn’t perform well, she had put in significant effort, portraying a role quite different from her real personality, as the character was very submissive. After the screening, Fahad told her, “You’ve really made a big sacrifice. You’re a talented actress and should be doing more films. You should stop speaking out now and just focus on acting.” Swara felt truly understood in that moment, as she rarely shares her struggles about not getting more film opportunities, even with her parents. Her brother understands somewhat, but she only started addressing this issue after her daughter’s birth. That evening, she felt Fahad really grasped her feelings.
Swara tied the knot with her partner and young political leader Fahad Ahmad in 2023. Fahad is the state president of the youth wing of the Samajwadi Party in Maharashtra. They welcomed their baby girl, Raabiyaa, on September 23, 2023.
Swara Bhasker has never shied away from calling a spade a spade and is known for her honest and unfiltered views on politics and societal issues. Recently, addressing the consequences of her vocal stances, she revealed that it has cost her work and film opportunities. In an industry where maintaining a neutral or conformist image can often be beneficial for career longevity, Swara said her forthrightness has led to professional setbacks.
In a recent interview with Connect Cine, the “Tanu Weds Manu” actor spoke about the backlash she has faced for her outspoken nature, including being sidelined by filmmakers and industry insiders. She also opened up about the professional and personal repercussions of her outspoken nature. She emphasized that her choice to voice her opinions, particularly on contentious issues, was a conscious decision. She stated, “I don’t want to act like I am a victim. I chose this path. I decided that I will be vocal and put forth my opinion on issues. I could’ve chosen to stay silent. There was no need for me to write an open letter, expressing my discontent on the Johar scene in ‘Padmaavat.’ Mujhe koi zarurat nahin thi (There was no need for me to do it).”
Swara acknowledged that while she could have remained silent, it was crucial for her to stay true to herself. She highlighted her authenticity by saying, “Aap mere se kai saari shikayatein kar sakte hain. Aap mujhe pasand yaa napasand kar sakte hain. Mujhe lagta hai ki jo log mujhse nafrat karte hain woh bhi yeh nahin keh sakte hi yeh jhoothi hain ya yeh fake hai. (You can have complaints against me. You may like or despise me. But even those who hate me can’t say that I am a liar or I am fake). They can’t say that I pretend to be someone else I am not. My opinion doesn’t change according to my conversations with people. I am the same with everyone. Agar main yeh sab nahin kehti to ghut ghut ke mar jati (If I hadn’t expressed myself I would have felt suffocated).”
Swara’s political opinions and activism have made her a target for significant trolling and harassment, which in turn has affected her career. Despite these challenges, she remains undeterred, emphasizing the importance of staying true to her beliefs and continuing to use her platform to speak out on issues that matter to her. She candidly discussed the impact of her outspokenness on her career, admitting, “You can say, ‘I can take a bullet in a war’ but when you take a bullet it does hurt. So my opinions have had consequences. Before my daughter Raabiyaa was born, acting was my biggest passion and my greatest love. I loved acting and practice. I wanted to do so many roles and acting assignments. I didn’t get as many chances as I wanted. There is a cost to not getting so many acting projects, including financial and emotional. There is a reputational anxiety. I am tagged as a controversial actor. Directors, producers, and distributors start speaking ill of you. Aapki ek image ban jati hai. It’s not that it doesn’t worry me but I have managed to stay afloat but the thing that really hurts me is that I didn’t have my fill of the thing I love the most — acting.”
Swara also shared an adorable anecdote about her husband Fahad Ahman (then boyfriend) after the screening of her last film, “Jahaan Chaar Yaar.” She said, “Woh film bahot zyada chali nahin thi par maine bahot mehnat ki thi (That film didn’t do well but I had worked really hard for the role) because if you see the role is nothing like me in real because she is very submissive. After the screening, he came out and told me, ‘Tumne sach mein bahot bada sacrifice kiya hai manna padega. Tum itni acchi actress ho tumhe aur kaam karna chahiye tha. Ab tum chup hojao aur filmein karo. (You have really made a big sacrifice. You’re a talented actress and you should be doing more films. You should stop speaking out now and only focus on working in films).’ In that moment, I felt very seen. I don’t really share my pain of not being in films even with my parents. My brother understands a little bit because I don’t usually talk about it… I have only started addressing it now after my daughter was born. That evening I felt he really understands me.”
