In a career characterized by her versatility and strong on-screen presence, Ritu Varma has consistently chosen roles that provide her with an assertive voice. Known for her performances in urban romantic comedies and con-dramas, Varma has never been one to portray a pushover. However, when director Hasith Goli narrated the script of *Swag* to her, she found herself pleasantly taken aback. The Telugu film, set to release on October 4, is an intriguing narrative that spans different timelines, featuring Ritu in dual roles — as the authoritative queen Rukmini Devi in the past and as the modern-day civil engineer Anubhuti.
Sitting down for an exclusive interview in Hyderabad after a rigorous shooting schedule in Rajahmundry, Ritu shared her excitement about *Swag*. “Hasith’s first film, *Raja Raja Chora*, had a charm of its own, and I expected him to come up with a rom-com. But nothing could have prepared me for what I was about to hear,” she revealed. Ritu describes *Swag* as a captivating satire on gender dynamics, inheritance, and lineage — themes that offer both entertainment and a food for thought.
The story of *Swag* delves into matrilineal and patrilineal societies, giving Ritu the opportunity to explore new facets of acting. “It felt like a breath of fresh air and came at a time when I was eager to sign on for a Telugu film,” she said. Ritu’s roles in *Swag* are a leap from the tradition, encompassing characters quite divergent from her own persona.
Transforming into Rukmini Devi, a commanding queen who shows no preference for male heirs, Ritu was guided by Hasith, who provided references of historical Indian queens. “I was also inspired by Ramya Krishna’s portrayal of Sivagami in *Baahubali*,” she said. The character’s look was meticulously crafted with regal attire, elaborate jewellery, a unibrow, and coloured lenses, all contributing to her formidable aura.
In contrast, the role of Anubhuti, a diligent civil engineer, saw Ritu adopt a rugged, tanned look, often sporting messy clothes and unkempt hair to reflect her time spent at construction sites. “Anubhuti is fiery and stands up against any form of injustice. Both roles are far removed from who I am. Though I advocate equality, I am more soft-spoken and reserved in real life,” Ritu mentioned.
Swag reunites Ritu with her *Prema Ishq Kaadhal* co-star, Sree Vishnu. Interestingly, their characters in *Swag* are not romantically involved, a development that caught Ritu by surprise when she first heard the story.
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Ritu’s recent appearances in Telugu cinema include *Varudu Kavalenu* and *Oke Oka Jeevitham* (*Kanam* in Tamil). She views *Swag* as an experimental yet thoroughly entertaining film that will further establish her presence in the industry. “I am touched when fans approach me and recount scenes from my films like *Pelli Choopulu*, *Varudu Kavalenu*, or my Tamil film *Kannum Kannum Kollai Adithal* (*Kanulu Kanulanu Dochayante*). I never planned on becoming an actress, and I am deeply grateful for the recognition.”
Ritu has successfully juggled between Telugu and Tamil films, a space she finds satisfactory though still challenging in terms of securing diverse scripts. “I do not claim to get a plethora of scripts, but I am thankful filmmakers consider me for specific roles,” she says. Having acted in projects such as *Nitham Oru Vaanam*, *Modern Love Hyderabad*, and *Modern Love Chennai*, Ritu emphasizes the importance of reading scripts to understand her characters’ complexities better.
In *Swag*, the meticulously developed backstories and deep discussions with Hasith Goli played a significant role in her understanding. “Hasith is extremely knowledgeable and provided me with more information than I expected. Swag has been made on a grander scale compared to *Raja Raja Chora*, and Hasith handled it with remarkable confidence and grace. Each day, I returned home satisfied and happy with the work we put in,” Ritu shared, adding that the experience involved significant learning and unlearning, contributing to many fond memories.
Beyond *Swag*, Ritu is also working on a Telugu web series for Disney Hotstar, though details remain confidential. “It is about a girl on a journey of self-discovery,” she hints. Additionally, she has two upcoming Telugu films — one a light-hearted entertainer and the other a gripping murder mystery.
While she never planned on pursuing acting, Ritu acknowledges that her life’s alternative paths have not been deeply contemplated. “I have an engineering degree, but cinema is my passion. Initially, I had no long-term plans in the industry, but over time, I began to love acting and became passionate about my work,” she confessed. When she is not in front of the camera, Ritu indulges in painting and reading, with works by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni among her favourites. “Reading and painting allow me to escape reality for a while, and I cherish that,” she concluded.
*Swag* promises to be a significant addition to Ritu Varma’s diverse portfolio, offering audiences not only entertainment but also reflective satire on societal dynamics.
