‘In OTT space, anyone can get recognition overnight’

Existence of a divide between film and TV industry, and actors getting stereotyped based on their medium of work, has often been outlined by many stakeholders of the showbiz. Actor Gautam Rode feels the emergence of OTT is leading to such lines getting blurred and artistes benefiting from it.

“In OTT space, there is no star. Anyone can come from anywhere and get recognition overnight with one show. And people will start appreciating you. That is the power of the medium,” says the actor, who will turn 44 today.

Elaborating on the issue of missing equality in certain segments of the showbiz, he adds, “Equality zaruri hai. Aisa nahi hai ke actors nahi hai, but kaam limited hai. Now, work has started opening up. But I want one should stop dividing people saying yeh TV actor, yeh film actor aur yeh OTT actor”.

Rhode feels all artistes are devoted to their craft and must be treated equally. “There is no divide in the West between actors based on mediums. Ek actor, actor hota hai,” shares the State of Siege: Temple Attack actor, adding, “An actor is an actor. Our job is to perform. They shouldn’t be called stars. Aisa karne se sabka dimag sahi jagah pe rehta hai aur sab same level pe chalte hai”.

Talking about his birthday plans, Rhode shares he’ll be enjoying a short break in Mumbai itself.

“I’ll stay in the hotel for three days at least, and just chill in the room. There’s just one birthday wish, and that is ‘go corona go’. I hope it just disappears by the end of the year,” he ends.