Swara Bhasker has recalled an unsettling experience from the early phase of her acting career, alleging that an unnamed film director behaved inappropriately with her after the success of Tanu Weds Manu. The actor spoke about the incident while interacting with fellow contestants on Rise & Fall 2.
According to Swara’s account, the filmmaker initially sent her messages containing poetry about her appearance before later asking her to rehearse a romantic scene with him privately. She said she became increasingly uncomfortable when she realised that the director and the cinematographer had been drinking.
Swara did not identify the director or reveal the name of the film during her conversation.
Swara Bhasker Recalls Director Asking for a Private Rehearsal
While speaking with Priyanka Chahar Chaudhary and Tej Pratap Yadav on Rise & Fall 2, Swara said the incident took place after Tanu Weds Manu became successful. She recalled that the director initially told her that filmmakers should have affection for the actors they work with.
She then said the filmmaker began sending her poetry about her appearance. Swara described herself as polite in response but said the situation later became uncomfortable when he proposed a private rehearsal for a romantic scene.
According to Swara, she questioned why the actor and camera team were not being included if it was genuinely a rehearsal.
“Who all are there for the rehearsal?” Swara recalled asking the director. When he reportedly said that it would be just the two of them, she questioned why the actor and camera person could not be present.
Swara also recalled that she was the only woman at the guesthouse where the team was staying. She said she later noticed the director and cinematographer drinking alcohol.
‘I Was So Scared’: Swara Recalls Leaving the Guesthouse
Describing her reaction, Swara said the situation frightened her because she was a young actor in her early twenties and felt uncomfortable being around two men who had been drinking.
“Why is a young woman, a girl in her early 20s, rehearsing with two drunk men? I was so scared, I left that place as soon as possible,” she said.
The actor said the situation did not end there. According to her recollection, the director later came to her room at night and repeatedly knocked on the door.
Swara Says Director Came to Her Room at Night
Swara alleged that the filmmaker was intoxicated when he came to her room and asked her for a hug. She said she initially feared that he might force his way inside.
“At night, he’s constantly knocking on my door; I thought he would break it. When I opened it, he was swaying and asking me for a hug,” Swara recalled.
She said she refused and told the filmmaker directly that his behaviour was frightening her.
Swara also explained that she felt she was in a difficult position because he was the director of the film.
The account was presented by Swara as her recollection of the incident. The filmmaker was not named, and the allegations have not been independently established in the material available for this report.
Swara Bhasker on Rise & Fall 2
Swara is currently participating in Rise & Fall 2, where contestants are divided between the Workers and Rulers groups. The show’s format places the Workers in the Basement, where they have fewer resources and compete for opportunities to move into the Penthouse.
The Rulers occupy the Penthouse and have greater control over resources and decisions affecting the Workers. Contestants can move between the two levels through the Lift, while the Red Room and Factory are also central parts of the show’s format.
Swara is currently among the Rulers.
Swara Bhasker’s Acting Career
Swara Bhasker made her film debut with Madholal Keep Walking in 2009 before gaining wider recognition with Tanu Weds Manu in 2011. She subsequently appeared in films including Raanjhanaa, Tanu Weds Manu Returns, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Veere Di Wedding.
In 2023, Swara married political activist Fahad Ahmad. The couple has a daughter, Raabiyaa.
