She is fierce, protective, and speaks her mind, but most don’t know that Swara Bhasker has an infectious sense of fun and humour. Her film choices reflect only a part of her sensibilities, so to showcase another side of her personality, the actor has signed up for the new reality show, Pati, Patni Aur Panga, with politician-husband Fahad Ahmad. Although new to the reality show format, Bhasker says she was ready to ease back into work, while prioritising the care of her 22-month-old daughter Raabiya. However, what surprised her more was Fahad’s response to the camera. “I had no idea he had this hidden reality star in him,” says the actor. In conversation with mid-day, she talks about why she chose to return to showbiz with this series after a long break, how her family reacted, and the body shaming she endured after pregnancy.

Excerpts from the interview.

Your entry into Pati, Patni Aur Panga came as a huge shock. Why did you opt for this show as your comeback after maternity leave?
I think your reaction is similar to mine when the channel offered me the reality show. But after meeting the creative team and hearing the concept, I found it really cute. It also gave Fahad an opportunity to be part of my world. Last year, he stood in elections, so I completely immersed myself in his world. I thought it might be nice for him to experience mine in a way that allows him to participate too. But I’ll admit, what actually made me say yes was the fact that they shoot only once a week. I’m a relatively new mom, and my baby isn’t even two yet. I’ve been on a break for almost two years. Of course, I’ve loved this time, and the break was important for me. But I was slowly ready to return to work, in small bits. I couldn’t commit to a full schedule of shooting for 14 hours every day for 30–40 days straight. I’m still nursing Raabiya. Maybe she could manage, but I couldn’t stay away from her. This shooting schedule worked with my current life. They were flexible, and I could bring her on set.