MUMBAI: The Diary Of West Bangal actress Arshin Mehta feels that the future of acting has evolved with the continued growth of OTT platforms. She stressed that while the competition has increased, it has always given way to true talent.
“In the past, good looks and references played a significant role in landing roles, but that’s no longer enough. It has become increasingly competitive; actors now need real talent and must be able to convincingly portray their characters. With the surge of web series in regional languages, it’s essential for actors to excel in embodying the tone and essence of their roles,” she said.
“OTT platforms are gaining popularity because they depict realistic stories that resonate with everyday life. However, many new OTT platforms are emerging, some of which prioritize bold content without a solid narrative, leading to viewer fatigue. Audiences are craving fresh, engaging stories that entertain while reflecting real experiences. I believe that content is paramount in today’s landscape. Sometimes projects don’t succeed because the same themes are recycled, and platforms that continually focus on bold content can become boring. The future of acting will rely heavily on originality and the ability to tell compelling stories,” she added.
Asked if she believes that OTT platforms offer more creative freedom, she said, “Things that were not allowed in traditional films or serials can now be explored in web series and on OTT platforms. Creators have become more liberal and now have the opportunity to show or portray bold themes. Many production houses that previously focused on serials have shifted to OTT to present bold and hard hitting themes and stories beyond what is typically shown in traditional serials. Thus, OTT has opened up numerous possibilities and provided greater freedom.”
“Additionally, since it isn't censored in the same way as traditional media, people have started to take advantage of this freedom to showcase a wider range of content without adhering to the same limits. Even actors who primarily work in TV serials and often receive similar types of roles in films, including A-listers, find more freedom in web series and OTT original films. These platforms allow them to explore different acting methods and processes, giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills and take on more challenging roles.”
Arshin also mentioned that OTT has normalised viewing bold content on-screen, but she finds herself making choices.
“While there are excellent web series out there, I sometimes have to step back if they require overly bold scenes, as I’m not entirely comfortable with that level of exposure. Even when bold scenes aren’t essential to the storyline, many creators still incorporate them for added drama or views. I’m not saying this applies to every project, but there are numerous instances where producers feel compelled to add such elements for entertainment value. If the story genuinely calls for it, that’s one thing, but if it’s merely for the sake of sensationalism, it should be approached with caution,” she said.
"For example, I’ve seen the series Gullak, which tells a beautifully crafted, realistic story without relying on unnecessary bold content, and it has become a hit. Unfortunately, there are times when actors are removed from projects simply because they express discomfort with bold scenes. That said, there are many other types of content that allow actors to showcase their skills and talent without relying on boldness. Not all web series follow this trend; many directors and creative teams are quite flexible. If they recognize that an actor excels in their role but isn’t comfortable with bold scenes, they often find a middle ground. In my experience, most creators have been accommodating when I’ve expressed discomfort with overly bold scenes,” she concluded.
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