OTT is for the talented: Hrishikesh Pandey

Hrishikesh Pandey, who is currently seen in the show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, is a big fan of OTT platforms. In a candid chat, the actor talks about how the industry has changed due to the presence of OTT and the kind of content that he wants to be a part of:

• What kind of opportunities are you aiming for?

This year, I have been very fortunate and I really thank God that I have been getting a lot of calls from different production houses. But I am a part of YRKKH and so I am sticking to this for now. I am also concentrating on films and web series and I really want to do some good work.

• What is your take on the digitalisation of the industry?

This change has been for the good as earlier many actors were out of work. But now, a lot of options are there. You have YouTube and other digital mediums. OTT is open for everyone who is talented.

• Do you think OTT has taken away TV viewers?

People who are keen on watching television, still watch it but nowadays the number has become less. People don’t have the time. Wherever they have time, they just watch stuff on their mobiles or laptops. Also, at one go, they can watch a series and you no longer have to sit in front of the TV for half an hour every day.

• What about the content that’s being made these days?

I think on television, shows were getting repetitive. But people have the option of web. There are some amazing stories, real life dramas and interesting content on web. As an actor, as long as you are working hard, you are bound to get a good role.

• Last year Covid-19 had affected the TV industry. Do you think that was an advantage for OTT?

A lot of shows were pulled down last year because nobody was working and the situation was bad. And some of these shows were really doing good. So, yes, a lot of things have changed. OTT has flourished. It’s a mix and match situation. I think we will have to balance it somewhere.

• What have you learnt from your journey so far?

As far as learning is concerned, even after all these years, I think I am still learning and I will keep learning. I feel I am privileged to be able to work with different production houses and different people.

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