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Swara Bhasker
Swara in 2017
Born (1988-04-09) 9 April 1988 (age 36)
Delhi, India
Alma materMiranda House
Jawaharlal Nehru University
OccupationActress
Years active2009–present
Spouse
​
(m. 2023)​
Children1
FatherC. Uday Bhaskar

Swara Bhasker (also spelled Bhaskar; born 9 April 1988) is an Indian actress who works in Hindi films. Best known for her supporting work in mainstream productions and starring roles in independent films, she has won two Screen Awards and has received four Filmfare Award nominations.

Bhasker made her film debut with a supporting role in the 2009 drama Madholal Keep Walking, a commercial failure. She got wider recognition for her supporting role in the commercially 2011 successful romantic comedy-drama Tanu Weds Manu. Her performance in the film was well received by critics and earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination.

Bhasker garnered further praise for her performance in the critically acclaimed romantic drama Raanjhanaa (2013), earning her a second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination. In 2015, she reprised her role from Tanu Weds Manu in the film's sequel and later appeared in the family drama Prem Ratan Dhan Payo; both productions were among the highest-grossing Bollywood films of the year. Her starring roles in the independent films Nil Battey Sannata (2016), and Anaarkali of Aarah (2017) earned her further acclaim. She won the Screen Award for Best Actress (Critics) for the former and was nominated for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) for the latter.[1]

In 2018, she starred in the comedy-drama Veere Di Wedding, which earned her critical acclaim and a third nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Early life and education

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Swara Bhasker was born in a Hindu family[2] on 9 April 1988[3][4] in Delhi to C. Uday Bhaskar, an Indian Navy officer of Telugu descent, and his wife Ira Bhaskar, a professor of cinema studies in Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi who is of Bihari origin.[5] Her maternal grandmother was from Varanasi.[6]

Bhasker grew up in Delhi,[7] where she did her schooling from Sardar Patel Vidyalaya.[8] She subsequently studied English literature at Delhi University's Miranda House where she was classmates with another actress, Minissha Lamba. She did her master's degree in sociology from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi.[9][10][11][12]

Acting career

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2009–2018: Debut and further roles

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Before Bhasker started acting in films she was associated with N. K. Sharma's "Act One" theater group in Delhi.[13] She shifted to Mumbai in 2008[6] and made her acting debut with the 2009 film Madholal Keep Walking, which was screened at the 33rd Cairo International Film Festival but underperformed at the box office India. She then played a supporting role in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's drama Guzaarish (2010), alongside Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai.

Bhasker then appeared in Srinivas Sunderrajan's black and white thriller The Untitled Kartik Krishnan Project, which was touted as India's first mumblecore film, made on the budget of ₹40,000 (US$480) and completed in one year, was also the first Indian film to be screened at the Transilvania International Film Festival. However, both Guzaarish and The Untitled Kartik Krishnan Project were box-office failures and Bhasker remained unnoticed for her performances.[7][14]

Bhasker garnered widespread recognition from critics and audiences with a supporting role in the 2011's commercially successful romantic comedy-drama Tanu Weds Manu in which she played the role of Payal, the best friend of the film's lead actress Kangana Ranaut.[5] She received praise and several nominations for her performance, including her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress.[15]

In 2013, she played the lead role in Listen... Amaya (2013), which also saw the reunion of actors Farooq Sheikh and Deepti Naval after 28 years, and earned positive reviews from critics.[16] She then appeared in Raanjhanaa, along with Dhanush and Sonam Kapoor, which was one of the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year. She received high critical praise as well as her second Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination for her role of Bindiya in the film.[17] She appeared in a lead female role in the box-office flop Sabki Bajegi Band opposite Sumeet Vyas and in the moderate successful Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai with Bhanu Uday.

Bhasker at the trailer launch of Raanjhanaa, 2013

Bhasker served as a host for Shyam Benegal's television mini-series Samvidhaan, which was based on the making of the Indian Constitution. The series aired on Rajya Sabha TV from March 2014 to May 2014.[18] On her trip to Lahore, Pakistan, Bhasker appeared as a guest in the Pakistani TV comedy show, Mazaaq Raat which was aired in April 2015.[19]

Bhasker had three releases in 2015. In her first release, she reprised her role of Payal in the romantic comedy-drama Tanu Weds Manu Returns, a sequel to the 2011 film Tanu Weds Manu. The film and Bhasker's performance received high critical acclaim. The film was a financial success as well and became one of the few women-centric films that rank among the highest-grossing Indian films. Her next release was the romantic family drama Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, in which she played the role of Rajkumari Chandrika alongside Salman Khan and Sonam Kapoor. Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, the film received mixed reviews. However, Bhasker's performance was well received by critics and audiences. With an estimated collection of ₹400 crore (US$48 million), the film became one of the highest-grossing Indian films.[20] That same year, she played a minor role in the collaborative bilingual X: Past Is Present. The film was directed by eleven filmmakers, and Bhasker appeared in Nalan Kumarasamy's segment, Summer Holiday, which revolves around a young boy (played by Anshuman Jha), who goes to South India for summer holidays where an Aunty seduced him so that her husband can rape him. Although the film received mixed reviews, but her role of Aunty was particularly praised. Namrata Joshi of The Hindu wrote "X: Past Is Present belongs to its women".

In 2016, Bhasker played the lead in Anand L. Rai's comedy drama Nil Battey Sannata which marked her fourth collaboration with Rai. Bhasker was initially skeptical about the film because of the age difference between her and her character. However, she changed her mind after reading the script and played the role of a mother of a teenager.[21] Upon the release, the film as well as Bhasker's performance received critical acclaim and she was awarded with the Best Actress award at the Silk Road International Film Festival in September 2015. She began working in web series with It's Not That Simple, which is produced by Viacom 18's streaming service Voot. The show revolves around the idea of marriage, relationships, a woman's stand in a marriage, love etc. The series stars Bhasker along with television stars Vivan Bhatena, Akshay Oberoi and Karanveer Mehra, with Danish Aslam as the director.

Swara posing for a file photo

As of 2013, Bhasker had completed shooting for Abbas Tyrewala's comedy drama Mango, starring Chandan Roy Sanyal and Monali Thakur, being produced under the banner of Kaleidoscope Entertainment. The film has been indefinitely delayed.[22]

She also played the lead role in Shashanka Ghosh's 2018 romantic comedy film Veere Di Wedding, co-starring Kareena Kapoor, Sonam Kapoor and Shikha Talsania, about four girls who embark on a trip from Delhi to Europe.[23] Her masturbation scene using a vibrator in the film was praised for its frank portrayal of women's sexuality.[24][25][26] Her performance in the film earned her a third Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress nomination.

Personal life

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Bhasker has been a vocal critic of the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and NRC. She has participated in the Citizenship Amendment Act protests.[27][28] On 16 February 2023, she married activist Fahad Ahmad.[29][30] On 23 September that year, she gave birth to their daughter, Rabiya.[31]

Filmography

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Films

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Key
† Denotes films that have not yet been released
Year Title Role Notes
2009 Madholal Keep Walking Sudha M. Dubey
2010 Guzaarish Radhika Talwar
The Untitled Kartik Krishnan Project Swara Bhaskar / Maya
2011 Tanu Weds Manu Payal Sinha Singh
Chillar Party Battle Hour Anchor
2013 Listen... Amaya Amaya Krishnamoorthy
Aurangzeb Suman
Raanjhanaa Bindiya
Sabki Bajegi Band Jaya
2014 Machhli Jal Ki Rani Hai Ayesha Saxena
2015 Tanu Weds Manu Returns Payal Sinha Singh
Prem Ratan Dhan Payo Rajkumari Chandrika
X: Past Is Present Aunty
2016 Nil Battey Sannata Chanda Sahay
2017 Anaarkali of Aarah Anarkali
2018 Veere Di Wedding Sakshi Soni
2018 The Story ZEE5
2020 Sheer Qorma Rukhsar Siddiqui
2022 Jahaan Chaar Yaar Shivangi
Mimamsa Adhira
2023 Mrs Falani † TBA Completed[32]

Television

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Year(s) Show Role Notes Ref.
2014 Samvidhaan Presenter [33]
2015–2017 Rangoli Host/presenter [34][35]

Web series

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Year(s) Show Role Notes Ref.
2016–2018 It's Not That Simple Meera Web series [36][37]
2019 Hello Mini [38]
2020 Rasbhari Shanoo Bansal
2020 Flesh ACP Radha Nautiyal
2020 Bhaag Beanie Bhaag Beanie Bhatnagar [39]
2021 Aapkey Kamrey Mein Koi Rahta Hai Mausam MX Player

Accolades

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Film Award Category Result Ref.
Tanu Weds Manu 57th Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [40]
2012 Zee Cine Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female Won [citation needed]
13th IIFA Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [41]
Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [42]
Raanjhanaa 59th Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [43]
15th IIFA Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [citation needed]
Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Won [44]
Zee Cine Awards Best Actor in a Supporting Role – Female Won [45]
Nil Battey Sannata Silk Road International Film Festival Best Actress Won [46]
Screen Awards Best Actress (Critics) Won [46]
Anaarkali of Aarah 63rd Filmfare Awards Best Actress (Critics) Nominated [47]
Veere Di Wedding Lux Golden Rose Awards Confident Beauty of the Year Won [48]
64th Filmfare Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [49]
Screen Awards Best Supporting Actress Nominated [50]

References

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  1. ^ "Happy Birthday Swara Bhasker: 7 Facts About 'Veere Di Wedding' Actress". News Nation English. 9 April 2020. Archived from the original on 26 September 2020. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  2. ^ "'Didn't Arrest Me As I Am Hindu': Swara Bhasker SLAMS Judge Who Recused Himself From Delhi Riots Accused Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam's Cases". The Free Press Journal. 18 September 2024.
  3. ^ "Dating a writer makes for great conversations: Swara Bhaskar". Hindustan Times. 18 January 2017. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 8 April 2017.
  4. ^ "Swara Bhaskar calls herself an unapologetic feminist, says it's a misunderstood term". Hindustan Times. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Bollywood is obsessed with looks: Swara Bhaskar". The Hindu. Press Trust of India. 16 March 2011. Archived from the original on 26 December 2013.
  6. ^ a b "Films are forever". The Hindu. 18 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Off The Block". 28 August 2010. Archived from the original on 29 June 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2013.
  8. ^ "Personal Agenda: Swara Bhaskar, actress". Hindustan Times. 29 November 2013. Archived from the original on 1 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  9. ^ "No sex for a role: Swara Bhaskar". The Times of India. 9 April 2012. Archived from the original on 26 July 2013. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
  10. ^ "I was always a dramebaaz child: Swara Bhaskar". The Times of India. 9 July 2013. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  11. ^ "Bindiya and Murari have some of the best dialogues in the film: Swara Bhaskar – Hindustan Times". 4 July 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  12. ^ "In conversation with Swara Bhaskar | Yale MacMillan Center South Asian Studies". southasia.macmillan.yale.edu. Archived from the original on 18 October 2021. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
  13. ^ "Swara Bhaskar on Madholal Keep Walking". NDTV. 21 August 2010. Archived from the original on 17 November 2015. Retrieved 3 February 2013.
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  15. ^ "We need to look at our own roles in society: Swara Bhaskar". The Times of India. 31 January 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013.
  16. ^ "Playing Amaya". The Hindu. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 4 February 2013.
  17. ^ "Not seen someone as secure as Sonam Kapoor: Swara Bhaskar". The Times of India. 21 June 2013. Archived from the original on 24 June 2013. Retrieved 25 June 2013.
  18. ^ "Swara Bhaskar anchors Shyam Benegal's Samvidhaan". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 1 January 2019. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  19. ^ ""London, New York, Paris Sab Fail Hain LAHORE Kay Aagay" – Indian Actress Swara Bhaskar". Siasat.pk. 27 April 2015. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 28 April 2015.
  20. ^ Hungama, Bollywood (13 March 2014). "Salman-Sooraj's next titled Prem Ratan Dhan Payo – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2018.
  21. ^ "People warned me against taking up 'Nil Battey Sannata': Swara Bhaskar". Daily News and Analysis. 22 April 2016. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 26 April 2016.
  22. ^ "'Mango' time for Rannvijay, Ranvir Shorey and Swara Bhaskar". Zee News. 2 July 2013. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  23. ^ "Kareena Kapoor Khan and Sonam Kapoor come together for 'Veere Di Wedding'". The Times of India. 14 June 2016. Archived from the original on 19 June 2016. Retrieved 14 June 2016.
  24. ^ Sharma, Riya. "Swara Bhasker: It is empowering to have a film about four girls, without any dark mudda - Times of India ►". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 June 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2018.
  25. ^ "Trolls shaming Swara Bhasker over her masturbation scene in latest film need to shut up - Times of India ►". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 4 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  26. ^ "'Veere Di Wedding' Twitter talk: 'Never heard abuses in films before?' Tweeple debate the 'sexist' criticism". The Indian Express. 2 June 2018. Archived from the original on 12 October 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  27. ^ Radhakrishnan, Manjusha (31 December 2019). "Swara Bhaskar slams CAA as 'anti-India' and 'sinister'". Gulf News. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  28. ^ "Swara Bhaskar says Modi has betrayed Indian Constitution". Gulf News. Indo-Asian News Service. 3 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  29. ^ "Swara Bhasker marries politician Fahad Ahmad, shares how they met at a protest". Indian Express. 16 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  30. ^ admin (17 February 2023). "Swara Bhaskar ties the knot with the love of her life, politician Fahad Ahmad". Mamaraazzi. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
  31. ^ "Swara Bhasker gives birth to baby girl 'Raabiyaa': 'A blessing granted'". Money Control. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
  32. ^ "Swara Bhasker wraps up her multiple role film 'Mrs Falani'". The Times of India. 27 May 2023. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
  33. ^ "Swara Bhaskar anchors Shyam Benegal's Samvidhaan". The Times of India. 21 January 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  34. ^ "Swara Bhaskar to host Doordarshan's Rangoli". The Hans India. 2 November 2015. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 19 April 2018.
  35. ^ "Swara Bhaskar bids adieu to DD National's 'Rangoli'". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2017.
  36. ^ "Unhappy marriage or perfect affair? It's not that simple". The Times of India. 6 October 2016. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 April 2018.
  37. ^ "Sumeet Vyas, Purab Kohli join Swara Bhaskar for It's Not That Simple season 2". Hindustan Times. Archived from the original on 5 June 2018. Retrieved 4 June 2018.
  38. ^ "Swara Bhasker says Hello to her stalker". The Times of India. 5 November 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  39. ^ "Bhaag Beanie Bhaag Review: How Is Swara Bhaskar's New Web Series On Netflix?". news.abplive.com. 6 December 2020. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 15 December 2020.
  40. ^ "Nominations for 57th Idea Filmfare Awards 2011". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 15 July 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  41. ^ Editorial, Glamsham (4 May 2012). "ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA, THE DIRTY PICTURE dominate IIFA 2012 Nominations". Glamsham. Archived from the original on 16 May 2012. Retrieved 1 June 2012.
  42. ^ "Nominations for 18th Annual Colors Screen Awards 2012". Bollywood Hungama. 6 January 2012. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
  43. ^ "59th Idea Filmfare Awards Nominations". Filmfare. Archived from the original on 15 January 2014. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  44. ^ "Screen Awards 2014: And the winner is..." ibnlive.in.com. 2014. Archived from the original on 17 January 2014. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  45. ^ "Zee Cine Awards 2014: Swara Bhaskar's Award Acceptance Speech". 14 January 2014. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 2 June 2015.
  46. ^ a b "Swara Bhaskar wins best actress title in China". The Indian Express. 27 September 2015. Archived from the original on 25 April 2016. Retrieved 28 September 2015.
  47. ^ "63rd Jio Filmfare Awards 2018: Official list of Critics' Award nominations". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 20 January 2018.
  48. ^ Karki, Tripti (19 November 2018). "Lux Golden Rose Awards 2018 Pics: Aishwarya and SRK recreate Devdas moments, complete winners' list and more | Celebrities News – India TV". indiatvnews.com. Archived from the original on 26 September 2019. Retrieved 12 October 2019.
  49. ^ "Star Screen Awards 2018 FULL winners list: Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Rajkummar Rao walk away with trophies | Bollywood News". www.timesnownews.com. 17 December 2018. Archived from the original on 17 December 2018. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  50. ^ "Filmfare Awards 2019: Complete List Of Nominations". NDTV.com. Archived from the original on 11 August 2019. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
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