Swara Bhasker recalls film director allegedly harassing her during 2011 shoot. How her manager stepped in and supported her

Swara Bhasker is known for her versatility and outspoken views. The actress recently appeared as a contestant on the reality show Rise and Fall Season 2, where she had several heated clashes with fellow contestants and spoke about her struggles and experiences in the film industry. Recently, she has opened up about an uncomfortable incident from the early years of her acting career.

Swara Bhasker recalls alleged harassment during 2011 film shoot

The incident reportedly happened in 2011 during a film shoot in Pachmarhi. At the time, Swara was in her early 20s and had just starred in Tanu Weds Manu. Speaking about the issue with The Free Press Journal, the actress said that it was difficult to deal with the situation as she was new to the industry and did not have a support system.

She said, "I was vulnerable in a very different way. I didn't have a personal team, I didn't have people that I could reach out to."




Swara admitted that she didn't realise that the director's behaviour amounted to sexual harassment at the workplace. Since there had been no physical contact, she found it difficult to recognise what was happening.

"I didn't even know, I didn't identify it as sexual harassment at the workplace while it was happening because since the man had made no physical contact with me," the actress recalled.

It was only years later, when the MeToo movement gained momentum and several women began sharing their experiences, that Swara looked back at the incident differently.

"I was like, oh my God, this is harassment. It's like a textbook case of harassment," she said.

Why Swara Bhasker did not want to leave the film

The actress also spoke about the difficult position she found herself in during the shoot. The film had a 56-day schedule, and the alleged harassment had reportedly started within the first few days. However, walking away from the project was not an easy choice.

At that stage in her career, Swara was trying to establish herself as an actor. She said, "I don't want to leave the project. I don't want to lose work. I mean, I also have my own ambitions, right? Which is fair. Like why shouldn't I?"

Swara eventually decided to approach the film's executive producer and tell him about the situation. She credited him with making the remainder of the shoot much easier by standing up for her and offering the support she needed.

Executive producer became Swara's manager

Looking back, Swara spoke warmly about the person who supported her during that difficult phase. The executive producer did not just help her through the shoot but eventually became a close friend and an important part of her professional life.

"He actually became my friend. He protected me. At that time and today he's my manager," she revealed.

"Speak to people, seek help, seek support and call things out immediately because now we can actually do it," she shared as a message to younger women.Meanwhile, Swara was recently seen as a contestant on Rise and Fall Season 2. The reality show marked her return to the screen after a two-year maternity break. While she has been less active in mainstream Hindi films in recent years, she has continued to remain involved in OTT projects.