It feels nice to be back to a period drama after 11 years: Swati Anand

Seasoned actress Swati Anand is a popular name today, courtesy her vamp roles in Pavitra Rishta, Madhubala, Kumkum Bhagya.

Now, Swati has opted for a change in genre and has entered &TV’s popuar show, Razia Sultan (Swastik Productions). She is essaying the first wife of King Iltumush (Sooraj Thapar), by name Nadira Begum.

Well, not many will remember that Swati started her career 11 years back with a series of mythologicals like Ramanand Sagar’s Jai Ganga Maiyya and Brahma Vishnu Mahesh. She also played the very important role of Satyavati in Sanjay Khan’s Mahabharat.

And now, with all the acting experience in her kitty, Swati gets back to a period drama, this time a historical on the life of Razia Sultan.

Talking about her return to this genre, Swati states, “Wow, it’s been a good 11 years since I did the period dramas. Those were my early days as an actor, and I guess I have come a long way now (smiles). There was a kind of monotony that had set in after doing the comic negative roles. I wanted something different, and what attracted me towards this role of Nadira Begum is the attitude that she carries.”

On her character, Swati explains, “Nadira Begum is adamant and has all the pride and attitude of being the queen. With Qutub Begum being no more, she has entered the kingdom after years with her son, Moizuddin (Shiva Chopra). Her sole intention in life will be to get the throne for her son. Nadira will have a problem with her husband and will question him about marrying a court dancer, Shah Turkan (Sambhavna Seth).

However, she will be on a mission to please others and be good before others.”

Incidentally, Swati has always played the lightly dressed middle-class bahu in her earlier shows that brought her all the success. And now to put on the heavy dresses and jewels seems to be a herculean task for her. “Trust me, I have never been used to wearing all this heavy stuff. My comfort has been in the lighter clothes. Now, I have to carry the heavy lehengas, dupattas, and neck pieces, crown. It’s been a tough ride, but I guess I will handle them with time.”

Stressing on her look, Swati avers, “I am very much satisfied with my look. The best part is that I look really good in the attires given, as it suits my personality.”

Swati known for her one-liners and trend setter of dialogues, believes that she will put her inputs into the character of Nadira too to make it more realistic. “My USP as an actress has been in the kind of inputs that I have given to my characters, especially in dialogue delivery. And I am sure I will do the same here. I have just started shooting, and will take some time to settle in and think on my own.”

We wish you luck, Swati!!