In 2008, Kritika Kamra clinched her first television role in Yahan Ke Hum Sikander. However, it was her portrayal of Arohi Sharma in Kitni Mohabbat Hai alongside Karan Kundrra that catapulted her to popularity. At the moment, she’s making waves in the world of OTT, where she has taken on the role of a gangster, Habiba, in Bambai Meri Jaan. In an exclusive conversation with News18, she discussed why she believes OTT platforms are the preferred choice for talented artists and why she has no plans to return to television. Excerpts:
Even though Kritika’s character in the series reminds one of Haseena Parkar, the actress denies any such character connection with the underworld gangster. “The show was in the works for so long that a lot of it was given to us in a condensed form. The characters are not modelled on anybody, so it’s not a biopic,” she said.
Speaking of her transition from TV to OTT, she said that the opportunities on OTT have increased for anyone who has a new voice. “The focus lies on authentic storytelling and authentic casting. So, directors really go through the kind of auditioning for the right actor, on merit, rather than any other frills,” she said.
Even though Kritika became a household name owing to her stint on television, the actress is reluctant to go back to the medium. “Television has given me everything – it has given me the financial security to be as choosy as I am today. It is also taught everything I have learnt about being on sets. It has given me immense popularity too. But I don’t think I’m ready to go back to it. The reason for me to be on television was to find a creative landscape and that exists on OTT now and cinema to some extent. Having said that, only the big entertainers the masala films are doing well at the moment. Few years back, the mid-budget films, headlined by newer artists, were also doing well, but those are not happening now. Creatively, the writing is much better and richer on OTT. Also, all the big filmmakers are there. There’s just more quality on streaming platforms and cinema, and that’s where I want to be. And luckily, I’m at a place where I’m getting to choose things from.”
Kritika also said that even though OTT is crowded with content and artists now, the medium far from saturated. “Every time a major technological shift happens, people throng that place. It becomes the ‘it’ thing. Yes, there’s a lot of content out there but there’s also a lot of appetite. People have gotten used to sitting at home and watching their favourite shows. What will happen now is that quality work will stand out. It’s never negative to have a lot of choices – be it as an actor or an audience,” she said.
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