Having dominated the movie industry, these talented performers unhesitatingly embraced the digital realm, where OTT platforms, especially ZEE5, have now become their new stage. Defying typecasting with bolds and unorthodox roles, they shattered the myth that exceptional work requires a cinema hall. Whether presented as sincere dramas, raw dramas, or captivating thrillers, each story remains everlasting. These OTT web stories stand as proof of the creative revolution we are witnessing on our screens.
Shweta Basu Prasad
From ‘Makdee,’ a national award-winning children’s movie, we met Shweta Basu Prasad, who has been inspiring with storytelling throughout the years. Jumping from attending television programs, she has started to perform in bold and political thrillers that often depict strong female characters. Known for her layered performances, Shweta has a strong onscreen presence. Instead of just acting, Shweta is pioneering a much-needed improvement in women’s portrayal in cinema.
Ragini Khanna
Ragini Khanna, the niece of Govinda, and with a family full of stars, charmed the nation with both her enchanting skills and unmatched energy. Her Evolution from television into films was highly packed with towering risks, showcasing not just her raw abilities, but daring alongside them. In Ghoomketu, Ragini shines as she embraces the name character in a bouncy story of dream chasing and proves her talent soars far beyond being a household name.
Rajat Kapoor
March 1967 saw the Birth of Rajat Kapoor in New Delhi. He is an actor, director and writer in Indian cinema. Known for his theatre performances, he always takes a subtle approach, but his influence is notable. Rajat Kapoor masters both drama and comedy. In Mulk Unleashed, Mulkian’s cinematic production, he truly edges off his seat as a person battling within for the taste of truth behind his family.
Ayushmann Khurrana
Redeeming the narrative on 14th September in the year of 1984, a radio host hosted a show and got to know Ayushmann Khurrana. He later gained national fame when he became a sharp character actor in Vicky Donor. He further won hearts in Dream Girl with his witty voice, deftly blending hilarity with heart and charm akin to no other.
Vinay Pathak
Vinay Pathak was raised in Bhojpur, Bihar. He dabbled in advertising before fully committing to a career in acting. His talent and warm performances enable him to add depth to each character. Portraying a father holding on to hope amid turmoil in Chintu Ka Birthday, once again Vinay showcases love and steadfast determination, capturing the essence of joyous spirit in his tough times.
Bhumi Pednekar
Bhumi, Satish and Sumitra Pednekar’s daughter began her career as a casting assistant. She then turned into a fearless and gifted actress. Her journey from casting assistant to the award-winning actress is a trailblazed through fearless choices. In Saand Ki Aankh, she plays sharpshooter Chandro Tomar, proving age is just a number and giving millions of women fearlessness and belief.
Vicky Kaushal
Vicky Kaushal’s rise in Indian cinema has been meteoric. From URI, where he vividly portrays patriotism with ‘surgical strike’ themed valour to the emotional tempests in Manmarziyaan’s complex love triangle, Vicky taps into a wide range of feelings and much depth.
He is also India’s great Sam Bahadur Kaushal as Vicky. Poise and quiet grace mark the bravery he radiates. Kaushal is not an actor but a cinematic magician who enlivens, completely assimilates himself, and then rejuvenates us with every film. Winning his way from indie productions to blockbusters, he proves the market is always responsive to genuine skill. A true phenomenon, Vicky transcends the idea of a mere actor.
Gulshan Devaiah
Gulshan Devaiah is from Bengaluru, having completed his education at NIFT, which enabled him to start a career in fashion design. His passion was uncovered to be filmed, and thus his true journey commenced. Acclaimed for raw, textured performances, he injects raw energy into each shot. In Commando 3, he impresses with his riveting performance in a thriller of suspense.
These stars showed us that true talent is not constrained by genre; it just requires the proper script to shine. From cinematic legends to internet sensations, their foray into OTT has been pure magic. By indulging in risky scripts and multi-dimensional characters, they redefined stardom in the era of streaming. On television, they became big stars, and viewers discovered memorable performances that linger long after the credits roll. In a world of OTT trending now, these actors continue to define what’s worth watching and remembering.
