People need to see the protagonist without focusing on their gender: Shwetha Srivatsav

Actress Shwetha Srivatsav believes that the second leg of her career, post the birth of her daughter, is far more action packed than the first. "I have been shooting for films back-to-back and have many more lined up," she says, as she reveals that she has signed another film, Chikkiya Mooguthi, which has a rural subject that is based on a novel by the same name.
Shwetha reveals, "This is a film that I hold very close to my heart, as it is about issues that are still very prevalent in today's society, especially in rural areas. This include female infanticide and child marriage. What makes me proud to do this film is that it is based on a novel written by Devika Janitri, who will direct and produce the film. This is very commendable. While the film has a rural backdrop, it is in no way going to be artsy in treatment and will be made in a lavish manner."
Apart from the subject, Shwetha was also impressed by the team's faith in her. "The team was particular about casting me. I had some date issues and asked them to look for someone in case I would keep them waiting. But they were dejected with that. When I got to know that I was their priority and they probably may not make the film at all if I wouldn't be a part of it, I was really touched by their faith in me and immediately gave my nod to the project," she adds.
Shwetha, who has nearly completed work on Raghavendra Stores, says she is up for the challenge this new film will bring her. "This role demands a lot from me as a performer. It is a very powerful role. Additionally, it is going to have a rural setting. So, I am looking forward to the challenge. There will be some workshops and other preparations before we go on floors. I did not want to let go of this opportunity," she shares.
Shwetha has been the protagonist of some good films that have had strong women characters. "There are very few women-oriented subjects; we need more of them. We need them to become normal stories in mainstream cinema and the distinction of women-oriented subjects being just art cinema needs to go. Eventually, we need to have it such that people see the protagonist without focusing on their gender. I wish for a time when the focus is on the story and character, without any bias. This will happen when society becomes accepting. This is something all female artistes are trying to get to," says Shwetha.
How will this situation get better? Shwetha answers, "We need more makers and writers with this thought process. What is heartening now is that more female artistes who are mothers are finding it comfortable on the sets. This is a step towards acceptance. This is seen across different language industries in India. In the Kannada film industry, particularly, we earlier didn't see too many married women with kids do mainstream roles. I am happy that we have embraced this change."