In this exclusive interview with Shaneer N. Siddiqui, The Brew News managing editor, Swara Bhasker and Fahad Ahmad open up about marriage, authenticity, reality TV, parenting, public perception, and balancing roles in their Pati Patni Aur Panga journey.
The Brew News: What made you both join Pati Patni Aur Panga, and how is it like real marriage?
Swara: We joined because the show felt real. Marriage is not only about romance and love; it is also about logistics and chores: bills, time, and saying sorry when you are wrong. The tasks in the show are like small tests of patience, trust, and teamwork. I also wanted to keep a real record of our life as partners and parents, in a fun format like this show. It will make for happy memories when we are old.
Fahad: At first, I said no because I am not from this field. But the idea of showing how we deal with stress, fights, and decisions felt right. Marriage is about talking and listening, and the show reflects that. It also helped me understand our strong and weak points.
TBN: In one episode, you revisit your wedding at your childhood home. How did that affect you?
Swara: Going back to that momentous event in my life gave me peace. It reminded me why we chose each other – mutual respect, kindness, and values. After that, I tried to listen more and react less. Small things like tea together and bedtime stories for the baby keep us close.
Fahad: Seeing Swara’s old home and people helped me understand her better. Our wedding was simple and based on values, and remembering that grounded us. It helps us focus on what really matters which is family, our love for each other and our life together.
TBN: The promo shows Fahad joking with Sonali Bendre and Swara reacting. How important is fun in marriage?
Swara: Fun is very important. A little jealousy is okay if it is safe and respectful. We laugh, tease, and then talk about it. This stops small issues from becoming big fights.
Fahad: Fun is good, but boundaries are also important. We clearly say what is okay and what is not. If you can laugh together, you can also solve problems together.
TBN: Fahad, why did you join a reality show when you are known as a political activist and politician?
Fahad: Activism is about people. A reality show reaches people who may never come to a rally but still care about fairness. I wanted to show that my public and personal values are the same. I’m an authentic person. And this show is a glimpse into our personal lives as we share work, talk, and support each other. I hope it gives my constituents a glimpse of me as a person and shows that activism is also daily life, not just speeches.
TBN: You first said ‘No‘ to the show. What changed your mind?
Fahad: I think my ‘no’ was an impulsive reaction. Then Swara said, “This is a chance to work and learn together,” and that convinced me. The team also respected our story. What surprised me was how quickly I forgot about the cameras. Real talks about fear, pride, and love just happened. I also saw new sides of Swara’s strength.
TBN: Fahad, you faced relentless trolling online. How do you use this show to answer it?
Fahad: We cannot stop trolls, but we can control our actions. On the show, we live equally – equal respect, equal work, equal say. That itself is the answer.
I would’ve ignored those comments but Swara always speaks up for those she loves!
Swara: Silence makes hate look normal. I spoke up because respect matters. Casual discrimination should be called out, not normalized! Showing how we support each other every day sends a strong message.
TBN: Swara, how has motherhood changed you, and how did you balance it with the show?
Swara: Motherhood has transformed me completely. I feel I’m a new person. The single Swara was one life; I feel I’ve been reborn in this new life as a mom. My heart, mind, soul, and spirit are transformed. I now know joy, peace, and clarity that I never had. I choose fewer projects, but only the right ones. Spending time with Raabiyaa, our daughter, is my priority. For the show, we planned shoot days, rest days, and help at home. I am also kinder to myself now, which helps me as a mother and partner.
Fahad: Parenting is our main project. We divide work, check in daily, and don’t keep score. The show helped us plan better and also ask for help when needed. I’m out a lot so Swara does the heavy lifting, but whenever she needs time for herself, we ensure that I’m at home and available to the baby.
TBN: Swara, did you worry about how audiences would see you on the show?
Swara: Yes. I’ve never done reality TV before, so I was nervous about that. I’m also much heavier and larger than I’ve ever been. So I was a bit nervous about my styling and appearance. But I stayed honest, and since Fahad is with me, it gave me confidence. I have faith in our relationship – our love is genuine and our story is a positive one. I think that honesty and authenticity always resonate with audiences.
TBN: Did the show help people see you in a new way?
Swara: Yes. People saw our daily life, love, fights, and small routines. They saw us cooking, planning, and saying sorry. That shows the full picture.
Fahad: It shows we live our values at home too. People see us trying to be fair, not just talking about it.
TBN: Fahad, you asked Swara to use Twitter (Now X) less. How is that going?
Swara: I tweet less now. I don’t tweet late at night or reply quickly. Sometimes I don’t tweet at all. It gives me peace.
Fahad: I am not against social media; I just want peace of mind. We now choose real talks over online fights.
TBN: Has appearing together changed how fans see you?
Swara: People now see my soft side as well as my strong side. Many women wrote to me saying they felt seen, and that means a lot. But the real showstopper and scene stealer has turned out to be Fahad, and I’m so proud of him. People are loving him!
Fahad: People now see me as a husband and father, not only an activist. It made both of us more real in people’s eyes.
