{"id":184965,"date":"2023-09-15T09:26:13","date_gmt":"2023-09-15T09:26:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/indiansapidnews.com\/?p=184965"},"modified":"2023-09-15T09:26:13","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T09:26:13","slug":"time-for-india-to-make-content-for-the-world","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indiansapidnews.com\/tv-movies\/time-for-india-to-make-content-for-the-world\/","title":{"rendered":"‘Time For India To Make Content For The World’"},"content":{"rendered":"
‘OTT is the future.’ After playing the good guy for two decades on television, Hiten Tejwani<\/strong> shows us a different side in the Web series Kaala<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n “I was never adamant on playing only lead roles. But it’s difficult to play a small role if you are used to playing a lead role,” Hiten confesses to Rediff.com<\/strong><\/em> Contributor Rajul Hegde<\/strong>.<\/p>\n How did you get cast for Kaala<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\n I went for an audition for another character, but Bejoy (director Bejoy Nambiar<\/em>) found my audition interesting, as he saw me doing something different than what I have done before on TV.<\/p>\n That made him curious. So he called me and said I should play Bismil instead of the role I auditioned for.<\/p>\n After meeting him, the character convinced me.<\/p>\n I have a complete character arc, and a human side.<\/p>\n This show is about black money, but there is a human side to every character in the series.<\/p>\n And, of course, I wanted to work with Bejoy.<\/p>\n Did you take up this role to break your positive image?<\/strong><\/p>\n I think Bejoy had that in mind. It’s a good thing for any actor if the director envisions him in a specific role.<\/p>\n My approach to the character was simple. I was just being there in the moment, feeling what Bismil would feel and what he would do.<\/p>\n It’s a complex story, and has quite a few tracks that bring in the high-octane feel.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This is your first collaboration with Bejoy Nambiar.<\/strong><\/p>\n Yes, he is a brilliant director.<\/p>\n Every actor has a bucket list of directors. I had Bejoy on my list. Working with him was like ticking off from the wish list.<\/p>\n When you see the show, you will see how he has explored the locations and the way he has given a different side to each character.<\/p>\n He gives you full freedom while doing a scene and later, improvises it. When you see the final product, it’s wow.<\/p>\n Do you think OTT is a blessing for actors?<\/strong><\/p>\n Absolutely. It’s a lovely space for an actor because you can perform varied roles, unlike TV.<\/p>\n OTT shows are also shot on real locations, like films.<\/p>\n There will be audiences for all mediums, but OTT is the future.<\/p>\n We are here to create new markets in the world, not just cater to our audiences, but cater to international audience as well.<\/p>\n I think it’s time for India to start making content for the world.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n How has the transition been for you from television to films and now to OTT in the last five years?<\/strong><\/p>\n I am blessed that my transition has been smooth.<\/p>\n TV actors can work on any medium because they are so well trained.<\/p>\n I was never adamant on playing only lead roles. But it’s difficult to play a small role if you are used to playing a lead role.<\/p>\n As an actor, you have to be flexible and play different kinds of roles.<\/p>\n When the story demands a younger actor, you can’t expect the makers to cast you.<\/p>\n You can always play an important role even if it is not a lead role.<\/p>\n That way, you are alive on all the mediums. You can’t say, ‘Arrey<\/em>, I have only three scenes, I can’t do this role.’<\/p>\n You can show your worth in three scenes also.<\/p>\n Unless you challenge yourself and work in new roles, how will you show your worth?<\/p>\n I have worked nonstop for 15 years on three shows. After that, I had no work for almost three months.<\/p>\n I was happy because I could spend time with my family, travel and meet people.<\/p>\n But yes, there are challenges. You have to be mentally prepared if things don’t go your way.<\/p>\n You have been in this industry for more than two decades. How do you look back at your career?<\/strong><\/p>\n It has been really wonderful.<\/p>\n I have been lucky to have worked with some of the good people, but I am not done yet.<\/p>\n I have lots to give and believe this is just the beginning (smiles<\/em>).<\/p>\n Is there any role that you have liked recently on OTT?<\/strong><\/p>\n I really liked Scam 1992<\/em>. Pratik Gandhi was brilliant in it. As was Gangan Dev Riar in Scam 2003<\/em>.<\/p>\n Manoj Bajpayee is good in almost everything. He has set a benchmark. I would love to play such characters.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What’s in the pipeline?<\/strong><\/p>\n I am doing a TV show with my wife Gauri (Pradhan<\/em>), which is like a Web series. We have started shooting for it.<\/p>\n I am doing a couple of OTT shows and a film which is in post-production.<\/p>\n
‘We are here to create new markets in the world, cater to international audiences.’<\/strong><\/p>\n