We underestimate Indian audience, says Swara Bhaskar

Oct 10, 2016 IANS

Mumbai: Actress Swara Bhaskar, who is venturing into the web series space with "#ItsNotThatSimple" -- a show on extramarital affairs -- says the Indian audience is ready to watch everything, but content makers sometimes underestimate their preference.

Swara, who has featured in films like "Raanjhanaa", "Tanu Weds Manu" and "Nil Battey Sannata", told IANS: "At this stage, the audience is ready for everything. This is the best phase where Indian audiences are willing to see something fresh and different.

"We can still push the envelope a lot more. We are underestimating our audiences. They are really smart."

"#ItsNotThatSimple" is a six-episode web series, which also features Vivan Bhatena, Akshay Oberoi and Karanveer Mehra. The show revolves around the idea of marriage, relationships, a woman's stand in a marriage and love.

Talking about her personal views about extramarital affairs, Swara said: "I think it happens as one is unhappy in a marriage. But I feel sorry and sad for people who are in this situation."

She finds the web space interesting and exciting as it comes with any pressure of box office performance.

"There's no box office pressure, no TRP (television rating points) and no censor board pressure as well. There is scope for new work and it's not that simple either," she said, and added: "As an actor, whether you are acting in a film or series, it's the same".

The 28-year-old actress has always been forthright about her views, and recently also took a rational view while commenting on how Pakistani actors were being condemned in India for keeping their comments reserved in slamming the September 18 Uri terror attack.

While stating that "art and artistes should not be attached with politics", she said Pakistani artistes are in a vulnerable position themselves and thus are helpless about reacting to it.

Swara said that for her, it's important to take a stand if she doesn't agree with something.

"Sometimes people are scared. You are more vulnerable to criticism and hate when you are public figures. It's not very pleasant to wake up in the morning with hate and negativity. Then you think about it... Of course, you will get flak for standing your ground, but you have to ask this to yourself."

"I am someone who has a varied interest. I care about things outside Bollywood and it bothers me if something wrong happens which I don't agree with," she added.