Do you feel that with the presence of social media and the advent of OTT, it has comparatively become easier for the budding actors to make their foray into the industry in comparison to the time when you made your debut?
Yes, I do feel it has become a little easier for actors. They can make a presence, of course, on social media before and then the advent of OTT. I think it is a little unfortunate there is also casting based on social media followers. I never feel that relates to eyeballs. You may get some publicity, but I feel it’s always tricky when you’re casting based on social media followers.
I think one needs to always go with talent because as we see also there’s so many OTT shows with unknown cast that are doing brilliantly because word of mouth goes around very quickly. Because nobody wants to waste time on a show, no matter who’s in it. There’s so much stuff to watch. So the good stuff gets talked about very quickly. The actors can get initially noticed in social media, but for longevity to be actual, keep getting work, you need to concentrate on your craft itself if you want to keep working. Because at the end of the day, you know, in OTT, it’s only a good actor who lasts, I think, not one with social media following.
From amongst the current generation of actors, who, according to you, has great potential?
I think according to the current generation of actors I really admire the work Vicky Kaushal is doing and Varun Dhawan as well. I think Vicky’s done some really good films and of course he is brilliant in Sam Bahadur as well. Varun is also a really good actor and I have really liked his acting and even a couple of the serious roles he’s done. I think he’s a very versatile actor. I love watching both of these guys apart from the whole lot of others as well. There’s a really good bunch of new actors who are devoted to doing a good job with the films they are given which is a great sign for Indian cinema.
‘National Award milega’: Vicky Kaushal surprises fans during ‘Sam Bahadur’ screening in Mumbai
What’s next?
I have got a film which we shot in America called ‘The Room’, which also stars Anupam Kher ji and it’s really amazing and different. 90 percent of the film has been shot in one room and I play the lead role in it. I think it really pushed me as an actor since it’s mostly me on the screen. I loved interacting with some of the other actors. I think the film is going to surprise a lot of people.
Apart from that, I also have ‘Sharma Ji Ki Beti’, which just premiered at the Jio Mami Film Festival, Mumbai Film Festival… And I also have a big OTT series, which I have done with Excel Entertainment for Amazon. I really look forward to that as well.
