Shweta Keswani: For South Asians, making it in the West is always a hustle
Shweta Keswani, known for her roles in TV shows like Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii, Des Mein Niklla Hoga Chand, and Baa Bahoo Aur Baby, moved to the US after marrying lawyer Ken Andino in 2012.
However, relocating didn't stop her from pursuing acting. She embraced the opportunities in the West but admits that the journey has been difficult. Reflecting on her 13-year experience, she says, 'For South Asians, especially those trying to make it here, it's always a hustle. It's taken me 13 years to get to where I am today. Not everyone is lucky enough to have an agent like Priyanka Chopra or to get a quick breakthrough.'
The actress, who has been part of projects like The Heart Stays (2019), As Sick As They Made Us (2022), Roar (2022) and The Beanie Bubble (2023), and is currently executive producing and acting in the short film Tabassum, highlights how her acting journey in the US has required a major shift. She shares, 'The acting here is different. If I replicated my style from India, I wouldn't book jobs. So, I've been training in acting under several teachers.
People asked, 'Why are you learning acting when you've been acting for 20 years?' But the style of acting and auditioning here is so different,' she explains.
As an actor of Asian descent, she often finds herself navigating the challenges of typecasting in the industry. She says, 'It's a hit or miss. Sometimes I get offbeat, interesting auditions, but I'm also offered the usual stereotypes. My typical casting range ends up being an FBI agent, a doctor, a lawyer, a web designer, or the aspirational Indian mom.
I try to break out of that box by showcasing my versatility through my demo reel to prove that I'm capable of so much more.
'
While she's embraced her new life, she misses the chaotic energy of Hindi TV sets. She reminisces, 'I miss the camaraderie, the Indian-ness of it all — the banter, eating together — those moments were special. The people became family.'
Shweta also shares her thoughts on possibly returning to India for work. 'I'd love to do mini-series or short projects for OTT where I can complete the work in 15-20 days and return home. I can't commit to the same monthly grind I did in television because I have a family here now. But I miss acting in Hindi TV shows,' she concludes.
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