Understanding the OTT Fame Impact on Actors and Its Hidden Challenges
In the age of binge-watching and smart screens, the rise of OTT (Over-The-Top) platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and SonyLIV has revolutionized Indian entertainment. These platforms have become the new stage for storytelling, launching fresh faces into stardom almost overnight. But while millions stream their favorite shows, few realize the emotional toll that sudden fame takes on these stars.
The story of OTT fame in India is not just about meteoric success—it is equally about identity crisis, mental health challenges, and the pressure to constantly stay relevant.
The Rise of the Digital Star
Take the example of Pratik Gandhi, the breakout star of Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (SonyLIV, 2020). Practically unknown outside the Gujarati theatre circuit, Pratik became a national sensation with his portrayal of the controversial stockbroker. His performance earned him widespread acclaim, including a Best Actor award at the Indian Television Academy Awards in 2021.
But with fame came scrutiny. “People expected me to perform at that level every time. I was suddenly being judged with a new lens,” Pratik shared in an interview with The Indian Express. His subsequent projects have been met with mixed reviews, revealing the fickle nature of OTT fame.
When Fame Becomes a Burden
Another case is that of Shweta Tripathi, who won hearts as Golu in Amazon Prime Video’s Mirzapur. Despite her brilliant performance and rising popularity, Shweta has openly discussed how fame can blur personal boundaries.
In a candid conversation with The Hindu, she said, “I love acting, but I didn’t expect the mental fatigue that comes with social media, constant interviews, and people feeling entitled to your time and space.”
The downside of OTT fame, especially for actors not accustomed to the spotlight, includes loss of privacy, anxiety over social media backlash, and the pressure to sustain viewership numbers.
Sudden Spotlight, No Safety Net
Many new faces on OTT platforms—like Divyenndu Sharma (Munna Bhaiya from Mirzapur)—experience a spike in public attention without the structured support systems that mainstream Bollywood actors enjoy. In an interview with The Times of India, Divyenndu admitted, “OTT changed my life, but it also trapped me. People expect me to be Munna in real life too.”
The line between character and actor blurs, and the audience, conditioned by parasocial relationships, forgets that these are performers—not the roles they play.
Success Stories with a Dark Twist
Even success stories like that of Jaideep Ahlawat, who portrayed Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok, reveal the complex reality behind OTT fame. Despite years of struggle in Bollywood with small roles, his performance in Paatal Lok turned heads and earned him the Best Actor (Drama) award at the Filmfare OTT Awards 2020.
Yet, in an interview with Mid-Day, Ahlawat shared how overwhelming the transition was. “You wait for your chance, and when it comes, you suddenly realize there’s no manual for handling overnight fame. It’s both empowering and exhausting.”
Mental Health in the OTT Era
Actors like Rasika Dugal, who has appeared in shows like Delhi Crime and Mirzapur, emphasize the importance of mental well-being in the digital age. In her 2022 interview with The Quint, Rasika stated, “Fame today is instantaneous but fragile. There’s pressure to post, perform, promote—all while protecting your peace.”
In the pre-OTT era, actors had months to prepare for a release. Now, social media algorithms and trending hashtags determine success, adding layers of stress. Unlike films, where the hype builds slowly, OTT shows can make someone famous in 24 hours—and forgotten in 48.
The Awards Dilemma
While OTT platforms have democratized fame, the Indian awards ecosystem is still catching up. The Filmfare OTT Awards, launched in 2020, began recognizing performances that would otherwise go unnoticed in mainstream cinema. Still, the legitimacy and impact of these awards remain debatable compared to their Bollywood counterparts.
Shefali Shah, who played DCP Vartika Chaturvedi in Delhi Crime, won the International Emmy Award in 2020. Despite this historic achievement, she remains underrepresented in mainstream cinema roles—raising questions about how Indian entertainment values digital acclaim.
The Social Media Trap
One of the most underestimated aspects of OTT stardom is social media addiction. Newfound celebrities are often advised to “build their brand” online. But with every like and comment, the pressure mounts.
A junior actor from the show Class (Netflix, 2023), who chose to remain anonymous, confessed in a Hindustan Times piece: “We were asked to be influencers too. But not all of us are trained for this. Some of us just want to act.”
This pressure to constantly engage, monetize content, and shape online narratives contributes to burnout, especially when actors come from non-industry backgrounds.
A Call for Industry Reform
Industry insiders are now calling for structured mental health support, media training, and financial literacy workshops for emerging OTT actors. Actor and producer Nikhil Dwivedi noted in Film Companion, “We need to stop treating digital actors as disposable. They carry the future of Indian entertainment.”
Conclusion: A Double-Edged Sword
OTT platforms have become a beacon of hope for thousands of struggling actors in India. They offer diverse roles, creative freedom, and a chance to shine without nepotistic barriers. But with great visibility comes great vulnerability.
The stories of Pratik Gandhi, Shweta Tripathi, Jaideep Ahlawat, and others underline an important truth: while the camera may capture their best performance, the real drama often unfolds off-screen.
As India binge-watches the next big series, perhaps it’s time we asked ourselves—what’s the real cost of becoming an overnight star?
