We recently connected with Sweta Keswani and have shared our conversation below.

Sweta, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I started acting really young while still in college. One moment I was doing background for a Tv series ( In India ) for some extra pocket money and the next moment I was a lead in two immensely popular prime time shows. This journey was nearly a decade long though ( even though it sounds like a minute ) but since one role led to another I just went with the flow. And suddenly I was a household name. It was much later when I moved to New York in 2013 for love and to start a family that I questioned why I still wanted to do what I’m doing. With lesser opportunities for actors of color here in the US work was very sporadic. I had to ask myself the hard questions. That’s when I knew that I truly loved telling stories, making an impact. Art impacts life, life impacts art. And I for one knew how cinema can change people’s perspectives. No matter how tough this path would be, this time I consciously chose to stick with it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I was acting since I was in 2nd grade, my first ever role was of a “Brown haired” Goldilocks. After that straight when I was 15 years old I chanced upon some print jobs for ice cream brands, bicycles & clothing. TV happened after another opportune accident, when an impromptu scene went exceptionally well and the producers offered me a meatier role in the same show and then their other productions. I’m talking 1992 in Bombay.
Then more and more work followed. I was in the Indian version of Dancing with the stars, 2 big soaps and 1 sitcom equivalent to the Modern family, Dynasty like shows here. Those got me name recognition and award nominations.

Cut to, New york 2013 I had to start from scratch, look for agents managers, accent reduction work, acting workshops, local plays, small co star roles, you name it. I’ve been paying my dues, as they say. Whilst navigating motherhood and adjusting to being in a new place.

A few years in I booked a co-star with James Spader in The Blacklist. And I thought Yes! finally this will lead to more work. But no, I booked nothing after that for 3 long years. That was really hard, but also a deep understanding for my profession followed. This trip I was on is a marathon not a sprint. How I keep myself active in my field during the wait period meant everything!

Now over the years I’ve been in several shows and films and series. Like Roar and The Beanie Bubble on Apple Tv. NOS4A2 on AMC, New Amsterdam on NBC, Mayim Bialik’s first directorial debut As They Made Us with Dustin Hoffman to name a few. And I’m actively involved in many different projects like The Remarkable Woman Stories that are a Non profit Org, the local Rivers edge Theatre Co. in my hood and writing my own projects when not learning some aspect of film making.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I truly feel there’s a dearth of immigrant stories. Unless you are a Native, indigenous person you are an Immigrant here. So opportunities to tell diverse stories are endless. Due to economic reasons current streamers and networks aren’t leaning toward art that matters. Art that makes people think, ask questions and be a part of a better future. My mission is to simply inspire and motivate people to think differently through art, through my work as an actor, creator. And entertain while I’m at it!

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

As a society we can open avenues for budding new film makers that come from all over the world at various different film schools across the nation, support their vision, help them raise funds so their voices are heard. Have more BIPOC writers and actors from different walks of life added on to the team of current shows that are streaming. So we can open our mind and heart to other experiences instead of a narrowed view.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.swetakeswani.com
• Instagram: @swetakeswani
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057606112675
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sweta-keswani
• Twitter: @SwetaKeswani1
• Youtube: @SwetaKeswaniOfficial

Image Credits

Headshots by Dash Kolos.
Rest are BTS