Many may not know her, but then Swapna Pati who hails from Odisha happens to be a hot model and has been making waves in the north-eastern part of the country. This pretty girl is now being approached by the Telugu filmmakers. What is touching many is that Swapna says she would be giving away a fair amount of her earnings towards social causes and she has been doing that since the days of her modelling. Swapna's father Rakhal Chandra Pati is an employee of the Rourkela Steel Plant and mother is a housewife. She has lofty dreams to make it big in the world of films and the journey has already taken a turn. She is now settled in New Delhi for her modelling assignment. Here is an interview with the model-turned actress by Ashok Palit.
Though you were an engineering student, how did you enter the glamour worldIJ
Since my college days, I have been taking part in different fashion shows held in Rourkela. Day by day it became my passion and I decided to make my career in this field.
How you began your career in film industryIJ
Before cutting through the entertainment world, I had ample experience as a model. I have done modelling for PizzaHut, Wills lifestyle and Diamond Jewellery. Earlier, I had participated in a lot of pageantry all over the country. My debut Indo-European movie All I Need Is a life brought me oceanic recognition.
Why did you reject an Odia film, which was offered to you earlierIJ
While I was busy with my modelling assignments at that time, producer of Odia film Ailare Odia Pua offered me a lead role because the script kept coming would not portray right side, right image of me. As the character you portray on screen is also the way people perceive you. For me it is important to work on characterisation which can give an impact on the audiences
What are the other projects you are doingIJ
Now, I am doing two Telugu films, one is Boyfriend Dot Com directed by Shoba Jaiswal, the story revolving around the Mumbai explosion; the other is I love Mumbai.
How did you get this opportunity in TeluguIJ
For a hardcore believer in hard work, I have no time for dreaming. During my modelling assignments in Delhi, the producer spotted me. I am thrilled over being in the Telugu film industry, which has its hoary past, recently celebrating its diamond jubilee.
For many actors, the southern industry is a steppingstone to enter BollywoodIJ
People think that the south Indian film industry is a steppingstone to enter Hindi films, but I feel at the end an actor needs a certain platform so that people know that the actor exists. Because south Indian films are next most-watched films in India and its regional market is very strong. People have just generalised the thing. Producers and directors look out for talents and south happens to be a good platform.
How much fashion conscious are youIJ
Eventually, the clothes we wear in films influence the audience, So, being an actress it is very important to be fashion conscious. In my personal life, I like to be simple. I like dressing causal.
What is your opinion about exposing for the screenIJ
It’s a bullshit question. But it continues to be a hot stuff, whereas it is not. If a heroine thinks she could get stardom by exposing, she will be the first fool on earth. Please note; a majority of the films which turned blockbusters had no expose in them. The audience will sure throw a red carpet to decency. Only some unwitting artists and technicians falsely opine that expose is a weapon for minting bucks. They are also confused with glamour and expose. Don’t you agreeIJ
Beside modelling and acting what you like mostIJ
Social service is one of the mottos in my life. I have involved myself with a social organisation, Udaya Odisha, which will be a platform for Odisha art and culture. My earnings out of modelling are purely meant for social causes. I would like to donate a major chunk of my pay packet for this cause.