Actress Swara Bhasker has shared a troubling experience from the initial stages of her career, describing inappropriate behavior from a film director following the success of her film, Tanu Weds Manu. During her appearance on Rise & Fall 2, Swara recounted how the director began sending her poetic messages about her looks and later proposed that they rehearse a romantic scene together in private. She expressed that the encounter was frightening, especially upon realizing that both the director and cinematographer were under the influence of alcohol.
While conversing with fellow contestants Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary and Tej Pratap Yadav, Swara reflected on the incident, which occurred shortly after the success of Tanu Weds Manu, where she portrayed a supporting character.
Swara explained that the director’s initial approach was seemingly flattering. “This was right after Tanu Weds Manu, my first major film. We had a shooting schedule of 56 days. Initially, he told me that directors must love their actors. Then he began sending me texts filled with poetry about my appearance. I tried to remain courteous,” she recalled.
Things took a turn for the worse when the director insisted on a rehearsal for a romantic scene without any other crew members present. Swara questioned the exclusion of the other actors and the camera team. “I asked, ‘Who else is involved in the rehearsal?’ He replied, ‘Just you and me; we’ll discuss it.’ I insisted, ‘No, you need to call the actor and the cameraman. If it’s a rehearsal, everyone should participate. There’s no reason for just the two of us to do it,’” Swara recounted.
She noted that she was the only female guest at their accommodation and observed that the director and cinematographer had been drinking. This realization heightened her discomfort. “Later, I saw them drinking, and their bottle was nearly empty. Can you imagine? A young woman in her early 20s rehearsing with two intoxicated men? I was terrified and quickly left the location,” she stated.
Swara further revealed that the unsettling experience continued after the rehearsal. The director later approached her room late at night while intoxicated, requesting a hug. “It didn’t stop there. He kept knocking on my door, and I thought he might break it down. When I finally opened it, he was swaying and asking for a hug,” she detailed.
“I told him no, that he couldn’t have a hug. He persisted, slurring his words and pushing for it. I expressed that he was frightening me. I felt powerless; after all, he was the film’s director,” she added.
Swara chose not to disclose the director’s name or the film in question while recounting her experience.
In the context of the reality show Rise & Fall 2, contestants are split into two factions, Workers and Rulers, competing for dominance and survival. The Workers reside in the Basement with limited supplies and engage in challenges for the chance to ascend to the Penthouse and become Rulers.
Conversely, the Rulers inhabit the Penthouse, overseeing resources and making pivotal decisions that impact the Workers. Contestants can transition between the two levels via the Lift, while significant decisions occur in the Red Room, with critical challenges taking place in the Factory.
Swara currently holds a position among the Rulers.
She began her acting career with Madholal Keep Walking in 2009, gaining notable attention with Tanu Weds Manu in 2011. She has since featured in various films, including Raanjhanaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, and Veere Di Wedding.
In 2023, Swara married political activist Fahad Ahmad, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Raabiyaa.
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