Pooja Vijay (born 5 November 1991), better known by her stage name Swasika, is an Indian actress and television presenter. She predominantly appears in supporting roles in Malayalam films and television series.[1][2]
Swasika | |
|---|---|
| Born | Pooja Vijay[1] 5 November 1991 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 2009–present |
| Spouse |
Prem Jacob (m. 2024) |
Personal life
editSwasika (Pooja Vijay) was born to Attupurath Vijayakumar (an accountant in Bahrain) and Girija and hails from Perumbavoor, Ernakulam, Kerala. She has a brother, Akash.[3][4] After taking a Bachelor of Arts degree in literature, she enrolled in dancing lessons.[5] She got married with Prem Jacob on 26 January 2024 [6]
Career
editHer first film was Sundarapandi's Vaigai, a love story, her character was based on a real life individual.[7] She then did Goripalayam (2010) by Rasu Madhuravan, in which she played the second lead. She was still a student, when she acted in the film.[1] Her third film Maithanam (2011) got positive reviews from both the critics and the audience.[7] She played a village girl, who "values culture and tradition" in the film.[7] In her next venture, Kandadhum Kaanadhadum by director Seelan, she played a "city-bred college girl".[7] She made her Malayalam debut with Cinema Company (2012) and was the lead actress in Sajeevan Anthikkad's Prabhuvinte Makkal (2012).[1] In the 2014 Tamil thriller Panduvam she played a psychiatrist, a modern character as opposed to her earlier roles in Tamil films.[8][9]
She has worked as television anchor too. In 2014, she hosted a show on Jeevan TV. She later played the lead role in a television serial Dhathuputhri on Mazhavil Manorama. She has appeared in some advertisements also. Her next TV serial, My Marumakan telecasted on Surya TV. In 2017, in Chinthavishtayaya Seetha on Asianet, she played the central character and eventually rose to fame among the Malayali audience and won her several accolades. She played the lead role in Seetha on Flowers, a sequel to the latter. She had signed a serial Pranayini but later opted out. She is an active presence in stage shows mainly as a dancer and is also an anchor for several television shows. Apart from this, she has acted in some advertisements, dance- music video dramas, short films, albums, and dance covers.
In 2019, she was cast in the title role in Rahman Brothers’ Vasanthi, which premiered at the 2021 International Film Festival of Kerala and met with critical acclaim. She was adjudged the Best Character Actor (Female) at the 50th Kerala State Film Awards. The film has also won the awards for Best Film and Best Script.[10]
She is the host of Amrita TV's celebrity guest show Red Carpet.[11][12] In 2023, she became the host of the reality show Ammayum Makalum.[13]
Filmography
edit| Year | Title | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Vaigai | Uma | Tamil | Credited as Vishaka |
| 2010 | Fiddle | Gayathri's friend | Malayalam | |
| Goripalayam | Parvathy | Tamil | ||
| 2011 | Maithanam | Shanthi | ||
| Kaatu Paranja Katha | Malayalam | |||
| 2012 | Cinema Company | Reena | ||
| Saattai | Mrs. Dayalan | Tamil | ||
| Ayalum Njanum Thammil | Neethu | Malayalam | ||
| Banking Hours 10 to 4 | Aparna Shekhar | |||
| Prabhuvinte Makkal | Devika | |||
| Kandathum Kanathathum | Kavitha | Tamil | ||
| Etu Chusina Nuvve[14] | Renu | Telugu | ||
| 2013 | Orissa | Dakshayani | Malayalam | |
| Sokkali | Malar | Tamil | ||
| 2014 | Parayan Baaki Vechathu | Karimani | Malayalam | |
| Panduvam | Madhivadhani | Tamil | ||
| Appuchi Gramam | Selvi | |||
| At Once | Zareena | Malayalam | ||
| 2016 | Kaattum Mazhayum | |||
| Swarna Kaduva | Riya | |||
| Kattappanayile Hrithik Roshan | Neethu | |||
| 2018 | Kuttanadan Marpappa | Jinu | ||
| Neeli | Dancer | Special appearance in the song Poomigaroo | ||
| Oru Kuttanadan Blog | Sujatha | |||
| Koodasha | Sowmya | |||
| Prabha | Prabha | Tamil | ||
| 2019 | Swarna Malsyangal | Malayalam | ||
| Soothrakkaran | CI Laura | |||
| Ishq | Kunjechi | |||
| Subharathri | Sulnama | |||
| Porinju Mariam Jose | Lissy | |||
| Ittimani: Made in China | Betty | Won Ramu Karyat Award for Best supporting actress | ||
| 2020 | Vasanthi | Vasanthi | Won Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress, Kerala Critics Award for Best second actress | |
| 2021 | Keshu Ee Veedinte Nadhan | Suma | ||
| 2022 | Aaraattu | Balan's Daughter | [15] | |
| CBI 5 | Merlin | |||
| Pathaam Valavu | Suja | |||
| Kudukku 2025 | Jwala | |||
| Monster | Diana | |||
| Kumari | Lakshmikutty | |||
| Autorickshawkarante Bharya | Lilly Paul | |||
| Chathuram | Selena | |||
| 2024 | Vivekanandan Viralanu | Sithara | [16] | |
| DNA | Merlin Charlie | [17] | ||
| Nunakkuzhi | Maya | [18] | ||
| Lubber Pandhu | Yasodhai | Tamil | [19] |
Television
edit- Acting Credits (Television Serials)
| Year | title | Role | Language | Channel | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Dhathuputhri | Kanmani/Meenu | Malayalam | Mazhavil Manorama | [20] | |
| 2015 – 2016 | My Marumakan | Aishwarya | Surya TV | |||
| 2016 – 2017 | Chinthavishtayaya Seetha | Seetha | Asianet | |||
| 2017 – 2019 | Seetha | Flowers TV | [21] | |||
| 2017 | Pranayini | Mili | Mazhavil Manorama | Cameo in promo only Replaced by Sruthy Bala |
||
| Ennalayude Baaki | Maya | Surya TV | Telefilm | |||
| 2019 | Arayannanglude Veedu | Seetha | Flowers TV | Cameo appearance | ||
| 2020 | Lockdown Please | Various Roles | ||||
| Pulivaal | Sherly/Teacher | |||||
| 2020-2022 | Manam Pole Mangalyam | Nila Varma | Zee Keralam | [22] | ||
| 2021 | Mrs. Hitler | Nila | Cameo appearance | |||
| Amma Makal | Cameo in promo | |||||
| 2022 | Seethapennu | Seetha | Flowers TV | [23] | ||
| 2024 | Malikappuram: Apathbandhavan Ayyappan | Mohini | Asianet |
- TV shows
| Year | Program | Role | Language | Channel | Notes | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Vivel Active Fair Big Break: | Contestant | Malayalam | Surya TV | ||
| 2012 – 2014 | Ragalayam | Host | Jeevan TV | |||
| 2013 | On The Spot | Indiavision | ||||
| 2015 | Raree Rareeram Raaro Season 2 | Asianet Plus | ||||
| Ethihasa Nayikakoppam | Mazhavil Manorama | |||||
| 2016 | Smart Show | Co-Host | Flowers | Replaced Alina Padikkal | ||
| Super Challenge | Participant | Surya TV | ||||
| 2016 – 2017 | Shubharathri | Host | Jeevan TV | Replaced Krishna Praba | ||
| 2017 | Celebrity League | Flowers | Onam Program | |||
| Ponnona Ruchi | ||||||
| Onam Pachakamela | ||||||
| Golden Couple | Surya TV | |||||
| 2017 – 2018 | Katturumbu | Flowers | ||||
| Kaathukuttan Katturumbu | ||||||
| 2019 | Start Music Aaradhyam Padum | Participant | Asianet | |||
| 2020 – 2023 | Red Carpet | Host | Amrita TV | [12] | ||
| 2022 | My G Flowers Oru Kodi | Participant | Flowers TV | |||
| Mazhavil Music Awards 2022 | Host | Mazhavil Manorama | ||||
| 2023–2024 | Ammayum Makalum | Amrita TV | ||||
| 2023 | Mazhavil Entertainment Awards 2023 | Mazhavil Manorama |
- Acting Credits ( Online)
| Year | title | Role | Language | Channel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Mizhiyoram | Nidhi | Malayalam | YouTube | Short film |
| 2018 | Nidhi | Shalini | |||
| Naari | Arya | ||||
| 2019 | Neethu weds Manu | Neethu | Web series | ||
| Kannanum Yashodhayum | Heroine | Devotional album | |||
| 2020 | Mattoru Kadavil Kuliscene 2 | Geetha | Short film | ||
| Lokam | Herself | Music video | |||
| Thiruvonaponnujal | |||||
| Rithu | Abhirami | Short film | |||
| Nandhi Orayiram Nandhi | Dancer | Music video | |||
| Krishna The Music of Love | Bhama | Music drama | |||
| Thudarum | Vidhya | Short film | |||
| 2021–2022 | 143 | Devapriya | Web series | ||
| 2021 | Thudarum 2 - Bhayam | Vidhya | Short film |
Awards and nominations
edit| Award | Year | Category | Film/TV Program | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala State Film Awards | 2019 | Best Character Actress | Vasanthi | Won[24] |
| Kerala Film Critics Association Awards | Best Supporting Actor (Female) | Won[25] | ||
| Adoor Bhasi Television Awards | 2017 | Best Television Actress | Seetha | Won[26] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d Prakash, Asha (18 March 2012). "Swasika goes back to her roots". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ "Vasanthi movie review: When the writing of the woman is the weak spot in a 'woman-centric' film". Firstpost. 5 March 2021. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ Nakul, V. G. (19 November 2018). "Depressed with career, actress Swasika once wanted to end life". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ ആത്മഹത്യ അല്ലാതെ മറ്റൊരു വഴിയും അന്നു മുന്നിൽ കണ്ടില്ല! പ്രിയപ്പെട്ട 'തേപ്പുകാരി'യുടെ വേദനിപ്പിക്കുന്ന കഥ [There was no other way than suicide! The painful story of the beloved 'Teppukari']. Vanitha (in Malayalam). Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "തേപ്പുകാരി എന്ന വിളി സന്തോഷം: സ്വാസിക". Malayala Manorama (in Malayalam). Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Swasika Vijay What do the locals see? Twist on the spot for Swasika who touched her husband's feet and saluted; The fans clapped". Celtalks. 26 January 2024. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
- ^ a b c d Lakshmi, V (25 May 2011). "Swasika loves playing a village belle". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ Vandhana (6 November 2014). "Panduvam is a Revenge Thriller". Silverscreen India. Retrieved 14 July 2016 – via silverscreen.in.
- ^ Subramanian, Anupama (14 August 2014). "Swasika turns glamorous". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ "It has given me the validation I always wanted as an artiste: Swasika Vijay". The Hindu. 16 October 2020. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ Daily, Keralakaumudi. ""She snatched two of my roles": Swasika in funny exchange with Athmeeya - CINEMA - CINE NEWS | Kerala Kaumudi Online". Keralakaumudi Daily. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ a b "Swasika Vijay: I don't approach Red Carpet as an anchor or a celebrity | TV Videos". The Times of India. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ "New reality show 'Super Ammayum Makalum' to find the best daughter and mother". The Times of India. 13 April 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 21 August 2023.
- ^ Rao, Ch Sushil (11 November 2012). "Etu Chusina Nuvve Movie Review, Trailer, & Show timings at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
- ^ Soman, Deepa (24 January 2021). "'Aarattu' to hit theatres on August 12". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 24 January 2021.
- ^ "Malayalam Film Vivekanandan Viralanu's Release Date Announced". News18. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 30 January 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (11 May 2024). "Raai Laxmi's DNA gets a release date". Cinema Express. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (20 July 2024). "Nunakuzhi Teaser: Basil Joseph gets caught in a comedy of errors". Cinema Express. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Harish Kalyan & Sanjana pair up in 'Lubber Pandhu'". Times of India. 3 March 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 17 September 2023.
- ^ "Here's how Malayalam TV actresses looked in their first serial". The Times of India. 21 March 2021. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
- ^ "The prime time beauties of Malayalam TV". The Times of India.
- ^ "Manampole Mangalyam: Swasika Vijay back on TV with a new show, to play a daughter-in-law hunting groom for her mother-in-law". The Times of India. Retrieved 8 August 2022.
- ^ "Watch: Shanavas Shanu and Swasika Vijay starrer Seethappennu's first teaser is out".
- ^ മികച്ച നടൻ സുരാജ്, നടി കനി, സ്വഭാവ നടൻ ഫഹദ്, ലിജോ സംവിധായകൻ [Best Actor Suraj, Best Actress Kani, Best Actor Fahad and Lijo Director]. ManoramaOnline (in Malayalam). 13 October 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2020.
- ^ "Swasika wins the Kerala Film Critics Awards for best supporting actress". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Announcement of 2017 Adoor Bhashi Television Awards".