Swastika Dutta likes to work on her birthdays. She enjoys her work and feels that birthdays call for something special, which is why she marks the occasion on the sets. Last year though was different. The city was going through lockdown in 2020 and she was at home. “I got to spend time with my family... and I shot from home also,” smiles Swastika. On her birthday today, she’ll be shooting for the serial Ki Kore Bolbo Tomay (KKBT), which has completed 300 episodes. A t2 chat with Swastika...
Happy birthday Swastika. What are your birthday thoughts today?
With the news of the second wave being more severe, people getting infected and the ‘double mutant’ variant at work, for the first time I’m feeling scared on my birthday. I’ll be shooting and then spending time with my family. I was never into birthday celebrations... so I prefer some me-time on birthdays.
When shooting for Bengali serials resumed in the first phase of unlocking in 2020, we learnt to adapt to the new normal and the way forward. We are all sticking to a schedule, following protocols and maintaining safety measures. I am really passionate about my work and I am being very careful. I have my parents at home, and I am concerned also since I am stepping out of the house every day. On the sets, things are really professional.
Do you have b’day wish?
I wish to start a new project on my birthday some day, that’ll be really memorable.
Is there a b’day gift that’s really memorable for you?
I get many, many fan letters, and that really makes my day. They write so eloquently and pour their hearts out.
In the last one year, how have you grown as an actress?
I am technically more evolved now. I have become more responsible... I know my strengths... and I have not become snobbish. I am more careful now. I am a careless heroine, but a careful actor.
Like KKBT, your previous serial Bhojo Gobindo was also very popular. In 2020, people would call you Dali, the name of your character.
And now they call me Radhika (her name in KKBT). I am really thankful and grateful to everyone for showering me and our serial with so much love and affection. My character has gone through such an incredible arc (Radhika has been married twice, faced separation, done a double role, played a nurse, learnt household chores and lots more).
You went to Kalimpong to shoot...
It was a great experience. But it was unpredictable too. A sudden change in weather caught us unawares... strong winds and heavy rain continued for two hours. It was really cold then.
How have you changed in the last one year?
Earlier, I would be more talkative. I would explain myself. I have become more reserved. I am a good listener now.
