While many actors and actresses dream to make it big on the big screen, life has other plans for them. Maybe it’s the plot line or maybe the film didn’t strike a chord with the audience–whatever may be the reason, sometimes things don’t work out despite there being immense talent. Today, however, the rise of digital content and streaming platforms have changed the game for not just existing stars but also fresh faces. With the OTT space being accessible to a wider audience and a space that comes with more flexibility with the kind of content showcased, actors are getting opportunities that allow them to explore their full potential and experiment with various roles. Ahead, we list the Indian actors whose true potential has been unlocked thanks to streaming platforms.
1. Karishma Tanna
After being a part of OTT projects like Guilty Minds and Hush Hush, besides several other television dramas and films, Karishma Tanna has finally got the much-deserved spotlight after appearing in Hansal Mehta’s Scoop. The actor plays the role of an investigative crime reporter Jagruti Pathak (inspired on journalist Jigna Vohra), who was framed in the murder of a senior fellow crime journalist. Her role has been well received by critics, and the audience has finally starting viewing her as a star who can do meatier roles that go way beyond the glam factor.
2. Harman Baweja
Along with Tanna, Harman Baweja also garnered positive attention for his stellar performance in Scoop. Despite beginning his career in Bollywood with films like Love Story 2050 and and What’s Your Rashee? (he shared screen space with Priyanka Chopra in both), his career trajectory didn’t take off as planned. Baweja took a ten-year long sabbatical from acting but finally showcased his true potential in Scoop where he played the role a top cop. “I am guessing this this ten-year break helped me to become a better version of myself,” he shared in an interview with a leading newspaper.
3. Sushmita Sen
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After winning the title of Miss Universe in 1994, Sushmita Sen had quite the success in Bollywood, appearing in major films in the 2000s. But the actress took a decade long break. You’d expect someone of her stature to make a comeback on the big screen. However, Sushmita chose otherwise and came back with a bang on OTT with Aarya, where she plays the titular role.
4. Jaideep Ahlawat
Although the actor made noteworthy appearances in films like Raazi and Gangs of Wasseypur, he rose to fame after an outstanding performance as Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary in the web series Pataal Lok.
5. Sobhita Dhulipala
From winning a beauty pageant to making her debut in the film Raman Raman Raghav 2.0 opposite Vicky Kaushal and Nawazuddin Siddiqui, followed by Chef (2017), Kaalakaandi (2018) and Moothon (2019), being a few, Sobhita Dhulipala’s breakthrough role was that of Tara Khanna in Made In Heaven.
6. Pratik Gandhi
The actor is known for his work in Gujarati theatre and cinema. It was only at the age of 40 when he bagged the role of Harshad Mehta in the series Scam that the actor became an overnight sensation. He then appeared in an episode of Modern Love where he essayed the role of a queer character. Pratik will next be seen as Mahatma Gandhi and Jyotiba Phule in two separate projects. Other upcoming films include Woh Ladki Hai Kahan with Taapsee Pannu, the thriller Dhoom Dhaam with Yami Gautam and a rom-com with Vidya Balan and Ileana D’Cruz.
7. Amit Sadh
The actor’s screen presence in films like Kai Po Che and Shakuntala Devi was fabulous but didn’t get him the acclaim he deserves. He has always had the capability of essaying diverse roles. His performance in Breathe and Breathe: Into The Shadows was a gentle reminder of the actor’s skillset, and now, many people want to see more of him in films and shows.
