Actor Manoj Bajpayee believes that the rise of Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms has been a game-changer for many talented actors who struggled to find their footing in mainstream Bollywood.
These digital avenues, he says, have not only offered them significant roles but also helped them maintain their lifestyle and gain the respect they deserve.
In a recent conversation, Bajpayee highlighted how the entertainment landscape has shifted dramatically. “Look at the actors who could not even get rightly consumed earlier. Male actors could not even get consumed by mainstream cinema. They are getting so much respect on OTT,” he observed. He further added that these platforms provide a crucial source of income and comfort, allowing actors to sustain themselves through the diverse roles they are now receiving.
Bajpayee, known for his nuanced performances in films like ‘Satya’ and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, and more recently as Srikant Tiwari in ‘The Family Man’, emphasized the frequency of opportunities on OTT. His own career trajectory, from intense characters like Bhiku Mhatre to the complex Professor Siras in ‘Aligarh’, mirrors the kind of unconventional choices that thrive on these new platforms. His latest venture, ‘Gajab Raat’, a suspense thriller with Divya Dutta, also premiered on Netflix, further underscoring the platform’s role in showcasing diverse talent.