HOPEOTT doesn’t becomestar drivenlike Bollywood

As uncertainty looms large over theatres reopening, OTT platforms have become the go-to option for filmmakers to release their ready projects. And with this new trend of films coming out on the web gaining momentum, actor Saiyami Kher, who has done a couple of web projects and has more lined up, hopes that actors like her don’t lose out on opportunities.

Kher, who made her Hindi film debut with Mirzya in 2016 — also her sole Bollywood project till date — shares, “Big producers didn’t back me after my first film.” However, glad that OTT proved to be a game changer for her, she adds, “Web has given me the opportunity to showcase my talent and try my hand at different genres. It has opened up avenues for actors like me to do more work. I really hope that it continues, and OTT platforms don’t become star driven like Bollywood films, in this situation.”

Having said that, it’s not as if Kher feels the charm of cinema can ever go away. And hence, she hopes there can be a balance between both the mediums. “There was someone like (actor) Saif Ali Khan, who did a web series (Sacred Games), but that did stop other actors from getting a chance on the web,” she continues, “I also hope makers stick to their beliefs and not make it only star driven. They should keep giving opportunities to people who deserve the role.”

Kher is elated with the response her latest web film, Choked, got and says it’s only because of the OTT platforms that it could make its way to the audiences even during the lockdown. “Our film was ready for release and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. People want to watch new content as everyone is fed up of being home,” says Kher, who is currently in Nasik, Maharashtra, with her parents. “I came here on March 15 and never left. I’m going to stay here till things get back to normal,” she says.