Faux Fur Coat and Bodysuit by AISTĖ HONG
Earrings by Erickson Beamon

Sway Bhatia has been dancing her way onto your screen for the last several years all while gaining an education, both in and out of school. In her latest role as Vera in Zombies 4: Dawn of the Vampire, she showcases just how multi-faceted she is and tells us about how her authenticity, hard work, and love of story-telling has gotten her to where she is today and where she wants to go.

Cape by Commes des Garcon at THE ARTISANALE
Dress by ISRAELLA KOBLA
Earrings by STUDIOCULT
Shoes by FRANCESCA BELLAVITA

How lucky to be able to pursue your passions at such an early age! What has the support from your mother, who has taken the role as your manager, meant to you?
My mother isn’t technically my manager, but having her support me every step of the way has been the biggest blessing in the world. I truly wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her giving up her career to wholeheartedly support me in what I do. She’s my partner in film, my producing partner, and my best friend. She’s seen every version of every self-tape, heard every idea I’ve ever pitched, and stood beside me through all the highs and lows of this career. To have that kind of unconditional support from someone who knows you inside and out is rare, and I’m endlessly grateful for it.

One of your very first roles was as Kendall Roy’s daughter, Sophie Roy, on Succession. Was there a certain kind of pressure with being on an intense set like that as a child or was that something the adults protected you from?
I wouldn’t say it was necessarily pressure, honestly, it was such a big learning experience for me. It felt like a live masterclass every day that I was on set. Being surrounded by actors and creatives at that level pushed me to rise to the occasion, not in a stressful way, but in an inspiring one. The energy on set was intense, yes, but it was also incredibly professional and respectful. The adults created a space where I could learn, grow, and feel safe. I walked away with a deeper appreciation for the craft and a stronger sense of what kind of work I wanted to be a part of.

Your most recent role in Zombies 4 exemplifies your skills in singing, dancing, and acting. Is an appearance on Broadway next?
I would love to step back into the theater world, it’s where my acting career started. I grew up doing musical theater and fell in love with the adrenaline of live performance. There’s something so raw and electric about being on stage, telling a story in real time with no retakes. A lot of my Succession castmates have done Broadway, and it’s always been a dream of mine, too. If the right project came along, I’d be the first one in line for it. There’s a magic to the theater that you just can’t replicate anywhere else.

Top by OTKUTYR Fashion House
Skirt by ISRAELLA KOBLA
Jewelry by KEANE
Shoes by MOLLY

Rapper is the second profession listed in your Instagram bio, and you even produced a rap song for your NYU video application. Is there a rapper that you listen to most or a musician that inspires you?
Some musicians that inspire me include SZA, Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, H.E.R., and Meg Donnelly - I loveeeeee what she did with Dying Art. I’m drawn to artists who aren’t afraid to experiment and redefine their sound. Rap, for me, has always been another form of storytelling. I love the rhythm, the wordplay, and the freedom it gives you to express what you’re feeling without rules. Producing that rap for my NYU application was a full-circle moment- I got to combine my love for music, storytelling, and self-expression all in one place.

You have done stand-up as a child, something that is even nerve-wrecking to adults. Is comedy intermingled with your other pursuits and where does your sense of fearlessness come from?
Yes, comedy plays a role in my everyday life. I like to consider myself a funny person, and I find that humor helps me stay grounded. Growing up, I was always performing in some way - whether it was stand-up, sketch comedy, or even just being the class clown. I think making people laugh is one of the most powerful forms of connection. My fearlessness probably comes from my love of entertaining. I don’t think it’s about not being scared - I just care more about making people feel something, even if that means stepping out of my comfort zone. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about being present.

Is there a certain joy knowing you will inevitably be a little girl’s inspiration to pursue the arts?
That’s honestly surreal to think about. I grew up admiring artists who made me feel seen, even if they didn’t look exactly like me. As a South Asian girl, there weren’t a lot of people on screen or stage who shared my background, so I held onto the ones I did find. To now be in a position where I might be that person for someone else- it’s an honor I don’t take lightly. We still have a long way to go when it comes to representation, but every time a young girl sees someone who looks like her doing what she dreams of, it plants a seed, and if I can be part of that shift, then that’s more meaningful than any credit or role.

**Left:**
Outfit by Wiederhoeft
Shoes by Steve Madden
KEANE on right
MING YU WANG ON LEFT HAND (PEARL)
**Right:**
Fifi Midi Dress by alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet
Earrings by KEANE
Necklace by Erickson Beamon

As a mental health advocate, how would you like mental health support to look like on set?
I think mental health is such an important thing to take care of. It’s just as important as physical health- if not more sometimes, especially in this industry where pressure and long hours can really take a toll. I’d love to see more mental wellness resources on set: access to therapists or wellness coaches, scheduled mental health check-ins, or even just spaces where cast and crew can take a moment for themselves. I think normalization is key- making it okay to say, “Hey, I need a break,” without judgment. I’m now a board member for the Minor Performer Alliance, and I hope to help push that conversation forward industry-wide.

As your recent roles are physically demanding, and your schedule, in general, is quite rigorous, do you have a routine in place to take care of your mind and body?
I LOVE Pilates, it’s honestly my go-to. It strengthens not just your body but also your mind, because it forces you to slow down, breathe, and focus. I try to stay consistent with sleep, hydration, and nutrition, too. When you’re juggling so much, it’s easy to burn out, so I’ve learned to listen to my body. Taking care of myself is what allows me to give my best on set. And beyond the physical stuff, journaling and spending time with people I love are essential parts of keeping my head clear and my energy grounded.

You just graduated high school and got accepted into NYU, all while having an active and credible career. Many congratulations are in order as well as the question: how do you stay driven and disciplined? Is there an end goal you have in mind with all of your hard work?
Thank you! I think I’ve always had a strong sense of purpose, I know what I want to do, and I’m willing to work hard to get there. Balancing school and work wasn’t easy, but I’ve always believed that if you love something enough, you find a way. The end goal is to be a filmmaker and a storyteller, someone who gets to shape narratives and create work that matters. I want to direct, produce, act, write… all of it. But more than just the titles, I want to make art that leaves people feeling something, that shifts perspectives and opens doors.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Sway Bhatia
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Dani Sax
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Exclusive Artists
Hair: Andrita Renee at The Only Agency
Makeup: Jocelyn Biga at The Only Agency
Fashion Stylist Intern: Aisling Forbes
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Seana Watson, Associate Fashion Editor, PhotoBook Magazine

THE DAWN OF SWAY BHATIA