An interview with popular Malayalam actress Swasika has gone viral on social media, in which she opens up about her views on marriage and her personal life. The actress, who married former co-star and model Prem Jacob in January this year, has been making headlines for her candid thoughts on traditional marriage practices.

Swasika, best known for her roles in films such as Lubber Pandhu, Nunakkuzhi, Prabhuvinte Makkal, Kattappanayile Rithwik Roshan, Porinju Mariam Jose, and Chathuram, spoke openly about her personal decisions regarding marriage in a recent interview with The Cue Studio. Prior to her marriage, Swasika had attracted attention with her comments about traditional marital practices, revealing that she intended to touch her husband’s feet as a gesture of respect every morning. Following the wedding, Prem Jacob confirmed that his wife does indeed observe these rituals, also mentioning that she sometimes shares meals from the same plate and washes his plate after meals.

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However, in her interview, Swasika made it clear that these practices are a personal choice, stemming from her own values and preferences. She explained that this approach to marriage, where she embraces a role of submission to her husband, is something she decided on at a young age—well before her marriage to Prem. "I chose to live this way, with my husband as the head of the household, even before I got married. I can't explain why I made this choice, but it feels right for me," Swasika said.

She also emphasised that her decision was independent of her upbringing. "Neither my mother nor my grandmother lived this way, but for some reason, this is how I’ve chosen to live," she added. "I’m comfortable with it, and I’m not going to apologise for that."

Addressing the criticism she has faced, Swasika stated that while some may view her choices as outdated or regressive, she is not imposing her beliefs on others. "I’m not saying that this is how everyone should live, nor am I declaring this as the 'perfect' way for women to behave," she clarified. "Every woman should be independent and believe in equality."

Swastika also shared her perspective on marriage, saying that it should not be viewed as an extraordinary or exceptional event, but rather as a natural progression in life. "Marriage is not something that should be seen as unique or out of the ordinary. It’s just a part of life."

The actress (Swasika aka Pooja Vijay), who initially debuted in the Tamil film Vaigai (2009) under her birth name, gained recognition for her role in Vasanthi (2020), for which she won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Character Actress. Swasika has also appeared in numerous TV serials, establishing a successful career in both the small and big screens.

Her recent comments have sparked a wide range of reactions. While some have applauded her openness and personal conviction, others have criticised her for perpetuating traditional gender roles. Despite the mixed responses, Swasika remains unapologetic, and her statements continue to fuel debates on the role of women in modern relationships.

As the discussion unfolds, it becomes clear that Swasika's views are problematic and controversial, raising important questions about the intersection of personal choice, tradition, and modernity in marriage. (With inputs from Agencies)