Actor Swastika Mukherjee, currently promoting her film Durgapur Junction, which released on April 25, has opened up in an interview with Hindustan Times about her approach to work, the importance of rest, and her personal priorities.
Swastika, a prominent face in Bengali cinema with recent notable roles in Hindi projects like Paatal Lok and Qala, shared how she consciously avoids overburdening herself professionally.
‘I absolutely don't do multiple projects together’
The actor said, “I take a lot of time off. I don't believe that I need to shoot every day, and don't give a lot of importance to how much work I am able to do. Even if I think about my career, the quality speaks louder than the quantity, and I absolutely don't do multiple projects together. I want to concentrate on one work and don't feel the need to finish one shoot today and then start another shoot tomorrow. Of course, my work demands a lot of juggling between Calcutta and Mumbai, a lot of travelling, and there are times when the schedule goes a little haywire… but given the opportunity, I give a lot of time to myself.”
On writing and reflection
Swastika also highlighted how writing helps her stay grounded: “I read a lot, write whenever I want… and am obsessed with notebooks. They are always lying around me and I can't keep track of where I keep them sometimes. My mother used to tell both me and my sister (Ajopa Mukherjee) that until a person sits down to write something, it does not register in their minds. One needs to put their energy into writing something down.”
‘This homework is for me’
She considers watching global cinema an essential part of her learning process.
Swastika said, “To grow as an actor, I need to constantly upgrade myself, and there is no better way than seeing how other actors are approaching their work. It is not just inspiration. I watched Mare of Easttown five to six times, first as an audience and then I rewatched specific scenes just to see how an actor like Kate Winslet is going about such a horrifying, emotional space. I want to remember that and approach it myself when I get the chance. This homework is for me, because if I am shooting everyday and working constantly, then how do you upgrade oneself as an actor?”
Animal welfare comes first
A strong advocate for stray animal rescue, Swastika said it tops her list of priorities. “I am not a very social person, I don't go out at all. If I am not working, I am always at home. Since I do a lot of work for the rescue and rehabilitation of strays, that takes up a lot of personal time…I think at this juncture, that is my first priority. My professional work comes second in line,” she concluded.
Courtesy: Hindustan Times
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