Karl Svanberg – Recreating Indian Film Scenes, Going Viral, and Chasing the Big Screen Dream (Swedish Actor, 964K Followers)

 

“I started recreating Indian film scenes as a way to get noticed—but now, acting has become my true calling.”

Q. Your Instagram showcases impressive recreations of iconic Indian film scenes. What inspired you to embark on this unique artistic endeavour?

It all started with my Indian friend who gave me this idea. I was training thaiboxing, and he told me that sometimes the Indian film industry needs foreign actors who have a good physique and know how to fight. He said, "You could be that guy!" He suggested that I recreate scenes from Indian films on Instagram as a way to get noticed and eventually attract the attention of a producer or director in the industry.

In my whole life, I had wondered what it would be like to work as an actor, but his idea still felt a bit crazy. Still, I decided I could at least watch a few Indian movies. I loved them so much that both my wife and I became very interested in watching more.

I decided to try my friend’s idea of recreating these scenes on Instagram, and I got such great feedback—people told me I was a good actor. All the wonderful comments and support inspired us to keep going, and we became very popular very quickly! At the same time, I realized that I really enjoy acting, so I started taking acting classes. Now, I have a new dream of working in the Indian film industry, and I also love my new life as a content creator!

Q. Recreating scenes from Indian cinema requires an understanding of cultural nuances. How do you prepare to authentically portray these characters?

I am learning a lot from watching many movies, but I also talk to my Indian coworker every day. He is teaching me about Indian culture and traditions, and I teach him about Sweden.

The culture in the movie scenes may be different from my own, but the feelings and emotions are universal. It doesn't matter where you come from—I can still relate to the movie characters when they feel love, betrayal, sadness, or happiness. I'm actually surprised by how much we have in common in terms of comedy and humour. I laugh so much when I watch Indian comedy movies, and I feel like crying when I watch the emotional scenes.

Q. Which Indian film or actor has had the most significant influence on your work, and why?

I think recreating DJ Tillu scenes has helped me evolve as an actor. When I’m acting as him, I really become a different person than I usually am, especially in terms of body language. I love doing DJ Tillu scenes because he is such a fun character to play.

Q. The Telugu film industry has a rich cinematic history. What aspects of Telugu cinema do you find most compelling?

The music is some of the best I’ve ever heard in my life. The plot twists are amazing and impossible to predict. The action scenes are very cool, the emotional scenes are incredible, and the comedy movies are super funny.

Q. Your journey from Sweden to engaging with Indian cinema is intriguing. Can you share some challenges you've faced in this cross-cultural exploration?

I did not face any serious challenges, even though we come from different cultures. But one thing comes to mind—in general, people in India tend to wake up much earlier than people in Sweden. On a free day like a Saturday or Sunday, I might wake up at 10 AM, while many of my friends in India wake up at 6 AM.

Combined with the time difference between our countries, this has led to some minor issues when discussing collaborations and such—but nothing too serious.

Q. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations in the realm of acting within Indian cinema? Are there specific roles or genres you're eager to explore?

I would love to get some crazy villain roles, like the main villain in a big movie would be very cool! Of course, I would love to play a hero too. I am interested in all genres; comedy, action, horror or drama.

If I have to choose, my dream is to be in a production like an historical adventure style setting, like Baahubali and Magadheera.

Bio

Karl Svanberg, known as Raja Svanberg, is a social media star known for his recreations of iconic Indian film scenes, together with his wife Ekaterina. He started with a goal to become an actor in the Indian film industry, and he still has the same goal—but he also loves his new life as a content creator. He is determined to keep entertaining the Indian audience, both on the small phone screen and on the big movie screen.

Instagram

Interviewed By Irene Elina Eldhose