HEAVENLY CREATURE

JITESH PILLAAI records SWASTIKA MUKHERJEE'S BOLD take on Sexism, Relationships & Mental Health

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There are few women in the business like her. She’s outspoken, she’s candid and she's lived her life on her own terms. And more importantly, she’s an extremely formidable actor for all seasons. I’m conversing with the irrepressible Swastika Mukherjee. She's everything opposite of what today's stars are - she doesn't stick to a certain script or image but says what's on her mind with a nonchalance that’s breathtaking. Talking to her isn’t just like a breath of fresh air, she’s a hurricane who'll topple all your preconceptions and make you laugh while doing so...

What's the one thing you'd tell yourself if you could go back in time?

Guard your heart. Don’t trust too easily or fall for the wrong person. Don’t give too much of yourself if you're not getting even a little back. Know where to draw the line, protect yourself.

Is this the same advice you give your teenage daughter?

She’s the one who gave me this advice. Kids today are far more practical. They know how to prioritise themselves and protect their mental well-being. Most kids my daughter’s age are smarter, more self-aware and way cooler than we were at that age.

If you had to re-look at your life, what would you have done differently?

Honestly, nothing. At every point, I did what felt right at the time. It’s only in hindsight that we start thinking, maybe I should’ve done this differently. It’s the same with acting. You give a take that feels perfect in the moment, the director’s happy, everyone’s satisfied. But later, when you watch it, it self-doubt creeps in, I should’ve done this, or not blinked so much, or fixed my hair. That constant overthinking, it’s part of the process. But I believe, when I made those choices, I did what I thought was best. And that’s true for life too.