Having acted in numerous films and television serials as a brilliant child artist, Swini Khara is a familiar name for the audiences.

Though she is not new either to the industry or the audience, but winning six awards at the tender age of nine is really something new, especially for the children of her age!

It was only recently that Swini doing the role of Chaitali in tele serial ‘Baa Bahu Aur Baby' was awarded the Best Child Artist by the Indian Television Academy Awards.

In addition, Swini has received the ‘Bal Ratna' award from the Maharashtra government and the ‘Pogo Amazing Kids Award. Add to this the Indian Television Awards for 2006 and 2007 and the Lions International Award won by this wonder girl!

When asked how if felt to win so many awards, little Swini says that they are a recognition of the good work being done by her.

"It feels very good to receive awards for all of them signify that I am being paid for my hard work. At the same time, the awards also serve as a notice to me saying that I should continue doing such kind of good roles and entertain the audience".

Swini is very careful and does not allow her acting to come in the way of her studies. Though it is a tough job, she balances acting and studies with equal zeal.

Speaking on this topic, Swini said, "When I go to the sets for shooting, I carry my books along. And whenever I get time, I complete my homework on the sets. I am happy and fortunate that my teachers have been supporting me a lot.

Similarly, even the production units also cooperate with me and always keep my schedule after my school is over at 4.00 pm."

Although Swini has bagged so many awards and won lots of accolades, they have not gone to her head. Even today, the little girl holds her friendship very preciously.

Talking about her school mates, Swini says, "Whenever I do a new film or ad, I always tell my friends about it. At times it is also the other way round.

When my friends see me in any ad or television serial, they come and tell me enthusiastically. It boosts my confidence." No doubt then, Sveeni is very fond of being and playing with her friends.

When we asked Swini what is more important to her – friends' praises or awards, she said, "Actually, I like a combination of both.

Getting an award means that although I am on the right track, I need to work harder for my acting. And friends' praises are a stimulant to move forward. They boost my confidence and make me feel good."

Swini's favorite actress is Shilpa Shetty, with whom she recently toured the USA and Europe for the ‘Miss Bollywood' shows. Swini is very happy that Shilpa has presented her with lots of gifts, including an iPod.

A student of STD IV in Rayan International School, Swini is as interested in studies as she is in her acting career.

Talking about her ambition, Swini says that she wants to be an astronaut like Kalpana Chawla as her cherished dream is to go into space. Well, this does not mean that Swini would give up films when she grows up.

Since she desires to go to the space, Swini says that she dreams of films being shot in the space and she is a part of that project!

Swini, who has already acted with Amitabh Bachchan in ‘Cheeni Kum', now has three films in hand. When asked to provide some details regarding the films she is doing, Swini sweetly says, "I have been asked not to divulge anything regarding this." - Rajnee Gupta