Sweta Keswani, the Indian-American actress known for her versatile roles across both Bollywood and American television, recently opened up about her experience working on the long-running crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In a candid reflection on her time on the show, Keswani praised lead actress Mariska Hargitay, comparing her to none other than Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan — not for their acting styles necessarily, but for the presence, gravitas, and energy they bring to the set.
“Mariska has that kind of energy that fills the entire room when she walks in,” Keswani said. “It’s not just about fame or star power. It’s about how she carries herself, how everyone around her feels empowered to do better. It reminded me so much of Amitabh Bachchan — that quiet command, that deep-rooted respect people have for her. She leads without needing to say she’s a leader.”
Keswani appeared in a guest-starring role on SVU, a show that has remained a cultural mainstay for over two decades. For many actors, joining the cast of Law & Order: SVU — even for a single episode — is something of a rite of passage, a chance to step into a legacy production with one of the most dedicated fanbases in television history. Keswani described her experience as “intense, rewarding, and unexpectedly warm.”
“It’s a procedural show with dark themes,” she said. “You’d expect it to be heavy and emotionally draining on set. And yes, the material is intense — there’s no denying that. But the environment Mariska and the cast have created is supportive and energizing. It feels like a family.”
What stood out most to Keswani was the level of professionalism and heart that Hargitay brings to her role both on-screen and off. Hargitay, who has portrayed Captain Olivia Benson since 1999, is not only the face of the show but also one of its emotional cores. Keswani noted that despite Hargitay’s legendary status on television, she made every guest actor feel seen and valued.
“There were no egos. No hierarchy that made anyone feel small. From the moment I walked onto the set, Mariska made eye contact, smiled, and welcomed me. That kind of gesture might sound small, but it means the world. She leads with empathy.”
Keswani reflected on how rare that kind of leadership is, especially in the entertainment industry. It’s this quality that led her to draw parallels with Bachchan, one of Indian cinema’s most respected figures.
“Mr. Bachchan has always had that quiet dignity,” she explained. “Even in a crowded room, even surrounded by stars and cameras, your eyes go to him. Not because he demands it, but because there’s something magnetic about his presence. Mariska has that same quiet magnetism.”
Keswani also spoke about the rigorous nature of shooting for a show like SVU. Scenes are often emotionally charged, and the subject matter — tackling serious crimes, trauma, and justice — demands a lot from the actors. For her, immersing herself in the character while balancing sensitivity and authenticity was crucial.
“You have to honor the story and the survivors it might reflect,” she said. “There’s a responsibility to portray the truth without sensationalizing it. The writing helps, of course, but the cast and crew do a remarkable job creating a safe space for actors to explore the emotional landscape of these roles.”
Despite her limited screen time, Keswani said her episode left a lasting impression on her, both professionally and personally. She expressed admiration not only for Hargitay’s performance but also for her advocacy work off-screen, particularly her commitment to supporting survivors of sexual violence through her Joyful Heart Foundation.
“She walks the talk,” Keswani said. “It’s not just a role for her. You can tell it’s personal, and that depth comes through in every scene. Watching her work made me want to be better — as an actress and as a human being.”
Asked if she’d return to the show, Keswani laughed and said, “In a heartbeat. Even if they called me to play a completely different role, I’d do it. It’s one of those rare sets where you grow, you learn, and you leave a little more inspired.”
Sweta Keswani may have only stepped briefly into the SVU universe, but her experience speaks volumes about the enduring power of Mariska Hargitay’s presence — one that transcends borders, cultures, and genres. Comparing her to Amitabh Bachchan is not just a compliment — it’s a recognition of a rare kind of greatness.
