Sweta Keswani, a well-known face from Indian television, has been candidly discussing her experiences transitioning to Hollywood, highlighting the stark differences in the industry and the challenges she's faced. Keswani, recognized for her roles in popular Indian TV shows such as "Baa Bahoo Aur Baby" and "Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii", moved to the United States fifteen years ago to explore new opportunities.
Keswani openly admits that her "long history on Indian TV had no meaning" when she arrived in Hollywood. She faced the difficulty of finding good representation and being seen by casting directors, especially with a scarcity of roles written for people of color. She noted that often, there were limited stereotypical roles available, and competition was intense, with thousands of actors auditioning for a single role.
One of the significant adjustments Keswani had to make was in her acting style. She explained that acting for Indian television is very different from Hollywood, where a more subtle, organic, and authentic performance is valued. Keswani emphasized the importance of listening and continuous learning, stating that she has spent the last 15 years honing her craft by working with acting coaches and attending classes. "TV acting in India is very different from here. I had to hone my craft," she said.
While she is making her mark in Hollywood with roles in series like "The Blacklist," "New Amsterdam," "Roar," and "The Beanie Bubble", Keswani misses the regularity of work she experienced in India. She revealed that the frequency of work in Hollywood is less compared to India, but the quality is high. Addressing the financial aspect, Keswani said, "The amount of work I do here (Hollywood) if I did that there, I'd be a millionaire". She added, "In India, I worked a lot. In Hollywood, the work is less frequent, but it's of high quality. I miss the regularity of work. I don't miss the fame, but I do miss the money".
Keswani also shed light on the grueling hours in Hollywood, stating, "It's never 12-hour shifts here, it's 16-hour shifts". She recounted an experience while shooting for "The Beanie Bubble," where she had to travel to Atlanta for two weeks while her husband was sick and her daughter had several activities. Without help, she relied on her community of mothers for support.
Despite the challenges, Keswani acknowledges the importance of support in surviving in Hollywood. She advises fellow actors from India who aspire to work in Hollywood to have a stable financial foundation, as it is an expensive place to live. Keswani credits her husband's stable job for allowing her to pursue her dreams.
Navigating stereotypical roles has also been a constant negotiation. Keswani notes that while she sometimes gets interesting auditions, she is often offered stereotypical roles such as doctors, lawyers, or tech people. She actively tries to break out of these boxes by showcasing her versatility.
Keswani remains optimistic and continues to work on her own projects, including two short films and two features. She emphasizes the importance of perseverance and doing one's best, acknowledging that success in the entertainment industry is not easy for anyone. "When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, right? It's as simple as that," she said.
