Sweta Keswani, a prominent face in Indian television in the early 2000s, has been navigating the Hollywood landscape for over a decade. Best known for her roles in popular Indian TV shows such as "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii" and "Baa Bahoo Aur Baby", Keswani recently opened up about the challenges and contrasts between the entertainment industries in India and Hollywood.
In a recent interview, Keswani reflected on her experiences, highlighting the demanding 16-hour shifts she sometimes encounters in Hollywood. While acknowledging the demanding nature of the work, she pointed out a key difference compared to her time in Indian television: the financial aspect. Keswani quipped that if she had earned the same per-hour rate in India as she does now in Hollywood, she "would be a millionaire".
Keswani's journey to Hollywood wasn't a walk in the park. Despite her established career in India, she essentially had to start from scratch. "My long history on Indian television had no meaning there," she stated, emphasizing the need to rebuild her career in a new environment. She also noted the difficulties in finding representation and securing auditions, particularly for actors of color. According to Keswani, roles for people of color were often limited and stereotypical. "When a show there is looking to add color, they look at all races for that one role. So thousands audition for that one role," Keswani explained.
However, Keswani never gave up on her passion of acting. "I never quit," Keswani stated, clarifying that her move to another country necessitated a career restart. Since moving to New York, she has been actively honing her skills, working on short films, and co-producing a web series while raising her daughter.
Despite the challenges, Keswani has found success in Hollywood, with roles in series like "The Blacklist," "New Amsterdam," and "Roar". She also appeared in the film "As They Made Us," directed by Mayim Bialik. Looking back, Keswani appreciates the work ethic and organization in Hollywood, where clear protocols are followed by every department and immense respect is given to all production members. She also appreciates that union rules are very strict about shifts and overtime.
Keswani also touched upon the differences in work culture. According to her, Hollywood wants actors to focus solely on their work. She also added that there's tremendous respect, no matter which part of the production one is a part of.
The rise of OTT platforms has also created more opportunities for actors. With more streaming services and content being produced, there's an increasing demand for talent, creating a win-win situation for everyone.
Sweta Keswani's story is one of perseverance, adaptation, and the pursuit of dreams across continents. While acknowledging the financial disparity between the two entertainment industries, she remains grateful for the opportunities she has received and continues to embrace the challenges of her evolving career.
