Picture credits : Vaishnav & Apeksha, House Of Pixels
Swara Bhasker is a spectacular actress, who has changed the way we look at Bollywood films. After giving back to back thrilling performances, she has totally blown us over with her incredible transformation for her role in Veere Di Wedding.
Women Fitness had the wonderful opportunity to speak with the stunning actor, Swara Bhasker, and get to know more about her life, dreams and transformation!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Starting out as a debutante with a supporting role in the 2010 drama Madholal Keep Walking, you have come a long way giving ground-breaking performances in Tanu Weds Manu, Listen Amaya, Raanjhanaa, Prem Ratan Dhan Paayo, Nil Battey Sannata, Anaarkali of Aarah and now Veere Di Wedding. Share with us your incredible journey in Bollywood so far? If you had to define it in one word, what would that be?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I think the one word to describe my journey would be wholesome. I was a freshly graduated student from DU and JNU when I came to Bombay. As an outsider to the industry, I had to make my own way and pick my own path. I never had a Godfather figure staking an interest or their credibility in my career. That said, I think I’ve been very blessed. I met good people, landed good parts, those films turned out well and many of them became blockbusters and people came out of the theatre remembering my character with fondness and affection. And slowly I’ve made my own niche and my own identity. I’ve worked with the most iconic names of Bollywood Shyam Benegal (directed me in the mini series: Samvidhaan – the Making of the Indian Constitution), Farooque Sheikh (Listen Amaya), Sooraj Barjatya, Salman Khan, Aanand Rai and I’ve done critically acclaimed roles like Listen Amaya, Anaarkali of Aarah and with Nil Battey Sannata and Veerey Di Wedding. I’ve tasted commercial success in my protagonist based work as well. So all in all, I feel good!
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being a versatile actor, trained dancer and activist, provide us an insight on a day in your life.
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
My days are erratic and hectic but basically depend on whether I’m shooting or prepping for a shoot. If I’m shooting its pretty simple. I wake depending on my shift, so between 5-7am and reach set; shoot all day- normally 14 hour days; come home spend a good half hour removing my make up and showering and moisturising and then I CRASH! On the days I shoot- I cannot do anything else, it’s all consuming.
On off days – I wake up AS LATE as I can. I usually have either my pilates class, my gym workout to schedule in. I have meetings to do and there’s always one of my three cats that needs some care or a bath! So non shoot days are generally a chaotic mix of a whole lot of to-do’s and errands. The month always has lots of travel; and non-Bombay based events – so that needs to be looked after.
So yes, its a hectic but fun life!
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org
Picture credits : Vaishnav & Apeksha, House Of Pixels
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Well, you have toned up your body and look fitter than ever! Define your workout routine like in a week?
(To the trainer: How do you innovate Swara’s workout routine so that it stays interesting and never gets boring? Also, what works best for her body?)
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I’m the laziest and most indisciplined person in the world and basically only workout when I HAVE TO because there is a role sitting on my head; or because I’m terrorised (in the case of Veere Di Wedding of Rhea Kapoor). For prep for Veere – I did a mix of Yoga and high intensity interval training with Rohan Sawant at Body Sculptor. Basically I just started showing up to workout. (laughs).
The best thing about working out with Rohan is that he doesn’t leave me alone if I stop showing up. He haunts me on social media also- if I stop working out 🙂 That’s basically what I need! Once I’m in the gym its easy.
Rohan Sawant: The big challenge with Swara is to make her workout regularly! I’ve known her for almost 6 years and she is most dedicated when she has a goal- rather a role that she has to work towards! With Veere she had a clear goal and it was easy for me to make sure she was regular. We did a mix of strength and high intensity interval training. She was also on a diet and so the days that she was tired or fatigued we balanced out with lighter workouts. We make our workouts interesting with chit chat and gossiping about the film industry. Swara actually has a body and metabolism that responds well and quickly to regular training – the regular part is the challenge.
Swara: It’s true I cannot deny it. I’m his worst client (laughs)
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
In a recent interview, you said “Around two months before I began shooting for Veere Di Wedding, I went on a Ketogenic diet.” How was your experience following a the keto diet? Why did you choose it? (To the nutritionist: What was Swara’s diet in a day?”)
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
Yes, so actually I met one of Rohan’s friends at the gym and she looked like literally she had shrunk! So I went to her nutrionist Jaydeep Bhuta and I told him that I had a limited amount of time and I needed a goal oriented diet- just for the period of my Veere Di Wedding shooting. Jay understood my requirements, he explained the whole method of Ketosis to me very scientifically and put me on a Ketogenic diet and modified it every 10 days depending on my requirements and responses. He also gave me a maintenance diet, when I had achieved my goal.
Jaydeep Bhuta: Swara came to me 8 weeks before the shoot of Veere Di Wedding. Her intake was like that of any normal person. She was never on any diet so consumed whatever she wished to eat. Getting her rearrange her macros wasn’t very hard. She was very motivated and stuck to the diet I gave her from the start.
Her diet mainly revolved around leafy green vegetables as a source of carb. Lean meats and eggs as a source of protein and a mix of saturated fats and mono unsaturated fats coming from ghee and olive oil. Though there were a few days that I made her diet a little relaxed..
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
You have been known to keep it natural when it comes to beauty. Share with us some tips for natural and organic skincare and haircare.
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I think one has to understand that the kind of beauty we are sold on magazine covers is a constructed and cosmetic kind of beauty. To feel beautiful, you have to start by feeling fit and healthy and mentally feeling positive. I think a balanced diet, enough sleep, a loving family and good friends to have fun with are the real beauty secret – I’m literally not joking!!!! Other than that, I love natural face masks made from whatever is available in the fridge – dahi, fruits, honey, oats, besan.. My simple mantra for skincare is cleanse (I take off ALL my make up, wash, tone and moisturise- no matter how late I get home from shoot or party) and moisturise! I moisturise like mad!!! And for hair- I try and oil before wash and do regular hair-packs and deep conditioning when I can.
Picture credits : Vaishnav & Apeksha, House Of Pixels
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Being an actress, you have to sometimes work for long hours in difficult conditions and temperatures, how are you then able to maintain your health and fitness level? Name the top 5 essentials that we can always find in your bag?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
Eat enough and well. Sleep enough and well. And exercise regularly are really the only way to go. I recently injured my back because I strayed from this path and now I’m trying to get back on it.
In my bag:
- moisturiser
- kaajal and mascara
- lip balm
- a bottle of water
- perfume
Apart from wallet, phone and cellphone charger of course.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
For a newcomer trying to enter the Indian Film Industry, what would be your piece of advice be?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
- Invest in and hone your talent. Talent always sees light of day. Talent is undeniable.
- Be ready for rejection but do not be defined by it.
- NEVER do anything you do not want to, for a role or because someone told you that there is a price to your dreams!
The only price for your dreams.. literally is your struggle and your efforts.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
If a role demands you to lose 10 kilos, in a healthy way, what would be your list of do’s and don’ts?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
Go see Jaydeep Bhuta is my only do and as Rohan Sawant says- don’t miss the workout, come what may! 🙂
I would seek professional help, and I would give my body time to do that.
Picture credits : Vaishnav & Apeksha, House Of Pixels
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Talking about social media, it can sometimes be too invasive and overwhelming, how do you create a balance while using it? Also, how are you able to avoid all the negativity that circulates online?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I avoid the negativity by ignoring it and by understanding that it comes from a malicious low life who has no life of their own. I barely ever read my mentions!
Trolling and abusing on social media is basically a form of bullying and must be resisted.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
2018 has been an exciting year for you, with huge successes coming your way, what’s up on your list now? Tell us more about the other projects that you’re currently working on or are looking forward to.
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I’ve recently finished two digital series: Its Not That Simple Season 02, for Voot; and Rasbhari for Applause Entertainment.
I start another one soon where I play a cop and there is a very exciting film project which will soon be officially announced.
Ms. Namita Nayyar:
Women Fitness has been there for more than last 19 years working with a goal to help women with the best in health & fitness. Share a word about the website and a message for our followers?
Ms. Swara Bhasker:
I think Women Fitness is a very special platform- it has been popularising the cause of fitness and women’s health long before fitness became cool. Thank you for all the work you do, and to the readers of Women Fitness, keep reading and remember fitness is not an overnight magic spell; its a relationship with your body that you must give time and attention to.
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This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar, President womenfitness.org and should not be reproduced, copied or hosted in part or full anywhere without an express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2018 Women Fitness Org