How actors who got their big break through OTT platforms redefined stardom and won hearts and awards in India’s digital entertainment era.
The digital boom in India has reshaped not just the way audiences consume content but also how talent is discovered. Once dominated by the silver screen and prime-time television, the entertainment landscape has undergone a seismic shift—thanks to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, SonyLIV, and more. These platforms have become not just content havens but launchpads for a new generation of actors who’ve turned into household names almost overnight.
In a country obsessed with film stars, it’s a refreshing change to see the rise of performers who didn’t need a blockbuster debut or a godfather in the industry. Instead, they found their footing through strong storytelling, powerful performances, and platforms that valued talent over lineage. Here are a few inspiring stories of Indian actors who rose to superstardom through OTT and etched their names in the annals of Indian entertainment.
- Pankaj Tripathi: The Quiet Storm Who Took Over Every Screen
Pankaj Tripathi’s journey from a small village in Bihar to being one of India’s most respected actors is nothing short of legendary. Despite years in the industry, mainstream success evaded him—until OTT platforms changed the game. His breakthrough role as Kaleen Bhaiya in “Mirzapur” (Amazon Prime Video) turned him into an icon. The character, a ruthless yet composed gangster, became a pop culture phenomenon.
Post-Mirzapur, Tripathi’s performance in Netflix’s “Sacred Games” and the film “Gunjan Saxena” earned him further acclaim. His role in “Mimi” (Netflix) won him the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2022, as reported by The Hindu.
- Pratik Gandhi: The Man Who Became Harshad Mehta
In 2020, when India was locked down and glued to screens, “Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story” on SonyLIV took the country by storm. At its core was a relatively unknown Gujarati theatre actor named Pratik Gandhi, who played the lead role of stockbroker Harshad Mehta.
His nuanced performance, complete with charisma and emotional depth, made him a star overnight. The Indian Express called it “the performance of the year,” while fans flooded social media with praise. Gandhi later starred in multiple web projects and Hindi films, becoming one of the most sought-after faces in the industry.
- Shefali Shah: Reinventing Stardom in Her 40s
Shefali Shah had always been known as a talented actress, but OTT platforms gave her a space where her craft could truly shine. Her role as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in “Delhi Crime” (Netflix) was a career-defining moment. The show, based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, was not only critically acclaimed but also went on to win the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020.
The Times of India noted how her restrained, powerful performance brought a depth rarely seen in police procedurals. Shefali followed this success with roles in “Human,” “Jalsa,” and “Darlings,” further cementing her OTT stardom.
- Jaideep Ahlawat: The Breakout Star of “Paatal Lok”
Before Amazon Prime Video’s “Paatal Lok,” Jaideep Ahlawat had been part of many films—mostly in side roles. But it was his portrayal of Inspector Hathiram Chaudhary in this gritty crime drama that changed everything. His raw and honest performance won widespread acclaim, with Hindustan Times naming him one of the most powerful performers of the year.
Since then, Ahlawat has appeared in several major projects, and he’s become the face of serious, character-driven content in India. He also received the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series in 2020.
- Shweta Tripathi Sharma: The Indie Star Who Went Mainstream
Known initially for indie films, Shweta Tripathi Sharma struck gold with her role as Golu Gupta in “Mirzapur.” The role not only broke stereotypes around women in gangster dramas but also showcased her range as an actor.
She followed it up with standout roles in “Made in Heaven” and “The Gone Game.” Her performances have consistently received critical praise, with The Telegraph calling her “one of the finest actors to emerge from India’s OTT movement.”
- Jitendra Kumar: From YouTube to Netflix Star
Popularly known as Jeetu Bhaiya from TVF’s Kota Factory, Jitendra Kumar made the smooth transition from YouTube to OTT with shows like “Panchayat” (Amazon Prime Video), where he plays a reluctant engineer posted in a rural village.
His performance struck a chord with audiences across urban and rural India alike. The show won the Filmfare OTT Award for Best Comedy Series, and Kumar’s everyman charm has since made him a favorite for both filmmakers and advertisers.
- Radhika Apte: The Unofficial Queen of Netflix India
No conversation about OTT stars is complete without Radhika Apte, who was affectionately dubbed “the face of Netflix India” by fans. From “Sacred Games” and “Ghoul” to “Lust Stories”, Apte’s versatility has been on full display.
While she had already established herself in indie films, it was her consistent presence on major streaming platforms that took her pan-India fame to another level. The Hindustan Times once wrote, “Radhika Apte doesn’t just act—she transforms.”
The Democratization of Stardom
What’s remarkable about the OTT revolution is how it leveled the playing field. These stars didn’t rely on box office numbers or star-studded banners. Their work spoke for them. Talent, once buried under the weight of connections and commercial demands, found a way to thrive.
OTT also changed viewer preferences. Audiences are now more interested in substance than stardom, performance than persona. And with platforms investing in regional content, the scope for new talent is wider than ever.
The Future is Digital
With every passing year, OTT continues to push boundaries. Newer stars are emerging from shows like “Rocket Boys,” “Asur,” and “Scoop”—names like Vikrant Massey, Karishma Tanna, and Parambrata Chattopadhyay are slowly making their mark through strong digital narratives.
In a recent interview with The Hindu, actor Jaideep Ahlawat summed it up best: “OTT gave us actors the freedom to just be. No glamour, no marketing gimmicks—just pure, unfiltered storytelling.”
And perhaps, that’s the real magic of it all.
