Mumbai: Actor Amal Sehrawat, known for his performances in television shows such as Choti Sarrdaarni and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has also explored the digital space with projects like Vikram Bhatt’s Untouchables, Habib Faisal’s Homeand Apoorva Lakhia’s web series Crackdown. He has also been part of films such as Satya 2 and Sarkar 3. With OTT platforms becoming an important part of the entertainment industry, the actor shares his thoughts on the changing viewing habits, opportunities for actors and the growing popularity of digital content.
Talking about how OTT has transformed the entertainment landscape, Amal says, “I think OTT has completely changed the way we consume entertainment, and that’s a positive thing. Today, audiences have access to stories from across the world, and actors have opportunities to explore characters that may not have been possible earlier. The biggest advantage is that content is no longer restricted by format or geography. As an actor, I find this exciting because it opens up so many possibilities. Ultimately, I believe good storytelling will always find its audience, whether it’s on television, in theatres or on an OTT platform.”
The actor also feels that success is no longer defined by the platform an actor works on. “I think success today has become more about the quality of work and the impact you make than simply the platform you work on. OTT has given actors the freedom to experiment with layered characters and different genres. Having said that, the big-screen experience is still very special. There’s something magical about watching your work unfold on a large screen with an audience. For me, as an actor, the priority is to do work that challenges me and stays with people. I’m open to both formats, provided the character and the story excite me,” he shares.
Speaking about his viewing preferences, Amal says he is selective about the content he watches. “I’m quite selective about what I watch because I like to give a story my complete attention. I gravitate towards content with strong writing, interesting characters and performances that feel authentic. I enjoy stories that make me think or leave me with something to reflect on even after they end. As an actor, I also watch with curiosity. I observe how an actor approaches a character, how a scene is written and how emotions are conveyed without saying too much. Sometimes, the most powerful performances are the quietest ones.”
Revealing a series that he genuinely enjoyed, the actor names Fauda. He says, “One series I really enjoyed watching is Fauda. What stood out for me was its intensity and the way it keeps you emotionally invested in the characters. The performances feel raw and convincing, and the storytelling doesn’t make things feel black and white. As an actor, I appreciate stories where characters are complex, conflicted and driven by circumstances. It also reminds me how powerful realistic performances can be when the writing and direction come together.”
With bold and intimate scenes becoming increasingly common on OTT platforms, Amal believes that their relevance within the story is what matters. “I think bold scenes are no longer unusual because audiences have become more exposed to different kinds of storytelling. But I don’t believe boldness should be confused with quality. Every intimate or bold scene should have a purpose within the story and should reveal something about the characters or their relationship. If it is merely there to grab attention, it loses its impact. As an actor, I believe in understanding the director’s vision and the character’s emotional journey. What matters to me is honesty, context and how convincingly a scene serves the story.”
He further adds that strong characters and immersive storytelling are what make a web series memorable for him. “As an actor, I’m always drawn to series that have strong characters and immersive storytelling. I love it when a show gives its characters room to evolve, surprises you with its writing and keeps you emotionally invested. Performances that feel effortless but have tremendous depth particularly appeal to me. I tend to remember a series not just for its twists or popularity, but for the characters that stay with me long after I’ve finished watching it.”
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