'One can't afford to give up'

Television actor  Swati Rajput who rose to fame with television serial, 'Tum Dena Sath Mera' has carved a name for herself in the industry with her flawless acting. The 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon?...Ek Baar Phir' and 'Agent Raghav – Crime Branch' fame is now all set to make her Bollywood debut with the movie, 'Vodka Diaries'.  

In a chat with Surupasree Sarmmah, Swati Rajput gets candid about her journey in the industry.    

You started your career with television serials. How did the shift to the silver screen happen?

I have been into theatre for as long as I remember. When I shifted toMumbai, I got into television commercials and serials. My current silver screen project 'Vodka Diaries', came to me by chance. The director of the film,   Kushal Srivastava, had messaged me on Facebook, but unfortunately, I missed seeing it.

After a month, I got a call from my then manager, who told me about the auditions happening for the film. I went for it and they  liked me. That's how I got the film. It was much later that I saw Kushal's message for me. That was the first step towards the silver screen.  

Your characters in 'Amrita' and 'Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam  Doon' were highly appreciated. How does it feel to be able to churn out hit after hit?

I am really thankful that great work came my way and people have liked the different characters I have played. I feel that I  have been working with the right kind of people who gave their best to the projects  that I have been a part of.  

Tell us about your upcoming movie, 'Vodka Diaries'?

The movie is a  thriller set in Manali. The story revolves around a club called 'Vodka Diaries', where few murders have happened. The movie takes a turn when the ACP, played by Kay Kay Menon, comes to investigate them. I am playing the role of Sarah in the movie, who is a happy-go-lucky girl. She loves going for long road trips. Sarah visits this club with her boyfriend and the events that follow  is what the audience have to watch.    

What according to you is the most challenging thing about acting?

Being patient. Our industry demands this trait from all actors. If you have to achieve something, you need to be determined and active. One can't afford  to give up.    

You have also acted in Konkani and Telugu films. Was language ever a problem for you?

No, language has never been a challenge for me. I like to learn the language in which the movie is. If not the entire language, at least the basics, so that when I perform, my emotions will go easy with my dialogues.  

You are sharing screen space with some of the biggest names in the industry -- Kay Kay Menon, Raima Sen and Mandira Bedi. How was your experience?

I had an amazing time. I shot most of my scenes with Kay Kay Menon. He is a tremendous actor and is known for his raw intensity. His dialogue delivery is flawless. Raima  too is such a versatile actor and very sweet as a person. Though I have not worked with Mandira in the movie, I have always been a huge fan of her work.    

If not an actor, what would you have aspired to be?

I would have pursued my  Bharatanatyam. I had learnt this dance form but after getting into acting and due to time constraints, I had to leave it half way.  

How do you spend your time when you are not working?

Whenever I am free, I catch up on the movies I have missed, meet my friends, read and  go for my  Kalaripayattu classes.