'Rachana as a character is an icon' - Swati Kapoor

Swati Kapoor who started her journey in television with Hum Dono Hai Alag Alag has come a long way, as she is today being identified as the simple yet bold girl Rachana who goes thro' all the odds to fight for justice in Star Plus' Kaali - Ek Agnipariksha.

Here is Swati in an exclusive talk with TellyBuzz about her experience playing Rachana, the big challenge she faces as she dons this role, her rapport with Ashutosh Rana and much more…

How did you bag the role?
After my show Hum Dono Alag Alag, I got a call from the production house for auditions and then the normal procedure of different rounds and the mock trial happened, after which I finally got selected.

How is it to work with a renowned actor like Ashutosh Rana?
As we all know, he is a legendary actor and working with him is a great experience. I feel really lucky that I got a chance to act with such a great actor and the inputs I get to learn from him help me to grow as an actor. Whenever we have shots together he gives me tips to make the shot better.

How is Ashutosh Rana in real life?
In real life, he is exactly the opposite of the character he portrays. He is very chilled out and not at all serious, and by just watching him I could learn so much from him.

You are represented as a symbol to an entire young group of girls, how challenging is the role?
Rachana is indeed a symbol now. When I bagged the role I was really very happy, but at the same time this is a challenge. Since, in real life, I have not gone through a situation what Rachana had faced, I had to be convincing in my acting to reach the audience. 

You have played a bubbly character in Hum Dono Hai Alag Alag and here you play the role of a bold girl, how is the experience?
In Hum Dono Hai Alag Alag, there was nothing much to do as a character but Rachana as a character is an icon. Truly both the roles are bubbly, but the circumstances that Rachana goes through make her bold and when I gave the auditions I had to act very bubbly and fun loving.

Have you had any such situation wherein you have come across a person as Thakral or have you had any of whom you know?
Not at all and I have not come across anybody who has had such an awful experience, and this makes my challenge bigger. 

Tell us about your background?
I was born and brought up in Kanpur and I have done my schooling and graduation there. I have done my graduation in Economics and I am planning to do my MBA if everything goes well.

What are the similarities and dissimilarities between Swati and Rachana?
Swati and Rachana are both fun loving and love happiness, but at the same time Swati is not at all a sporty person. I have never participated in any sporty event during my school days too.

Did you take special badminton lessons for the show?
Since I was not at all into badminton I did practice the sport but did not take professional training for it.

What is your message for other Rachanas in the society and their parents?
I know that there are people who might have faced torture like Rachana has, and I would like to say that, do not sit idle and speak up and fight for yourself. The family and the society should support them in their battle so that justice is sustained.

What have you learnt from this show?
Badminton (laughs). At the same time I did not know what I would have done if I were to face such a torture, but now I know that I am confident enough to face the character.

How was it working with Star Plus and the production house?
I have worked with Star team in my previous show and working with Fox has been a great experience.

Any memorable experience after you became Rachana?
Being Rachana itself is a great experience, but there was an interesting encounter when the promos of the shows were aired. I was on the way for my shoot and a small kid of four to five year shouted 'Sweet Girl'. I was really shocked and felt really happy that people have identified me.

Reporter and Author: Saranya Valsarajan
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