“OTT is the best thing that has happened for a lot of young talented people” – Bobby Deol

By Subhash K. Jha -

January 6, 2021 - 11:24 AM IST

Bobby Deol who made a comeback in 2020 with Prakash Jha’s web-series Ashram looks affectionately at the year that was and the time to come.

“OTT is the best thing that has happened for a lot of young talented people” – Bobby Deol

2020 was arguably the worst year of our lives. How do you look back on the year? What is your takeaway from this year?
2020 taught us that the smallest things have the greatest value. We have to respect everything around us. People have realized the importance of relationships and how essential it is to value the people in our lives. It has been a learning experience for all of us. Though it was tough we got the strength to fight it together.

Are you hopeful about the future?
I feel things will only get better now as the vaccine is out. For me it has been a good year in many ways as my two OTT projects were released Class Of 83 and Aashram. The love and appreciation I received for both has been very overwhelming and I thank God that my hard work paid off. Also, I want to thank all my fans and audiences for giving me that love, admiration and appreciation. I strive to work better this year and continue to keep entertaining them

The OTT platform has changed the profile of the Hindi film audience. What is your take on cinema versus the digital platform?
OTT platforms were going to come to India one day. Everything that happens in Hollywood eventually finds its place in India, maybe after a decade. It is the best thing that has happened for a lot of young talented people who have got an opportunity to work not just as an actor, but also as technicians, and daily wage earners.

As an actor do you feel OTT has benefited you?
It has been a boon for actors to get an opportunity to do varied roles, to play different kinds of characters which you wouldn't get to play on the big screen, that's something I am grateful for. I feel Cinema and OTT platforms exist together because cinema and OTT have their own individual magic and the one cannot replace the other.

Do you think Aashram would have possible as a feature film?
OTT platforms have given a chance to show different kinds of stories which never got a chance to be made for the cinemas. Audiences are also enjoying that, they are getting to see different kind of genres and different kinds of films with actors playing different characters which they never would have played otherwise.

What is your take on the toxicity on social media?
Everybody has the freedom of speech. Social Media gives you a chance to speak your mind. I think people should use it in a very wise manner, which is sadly not the case. One has to be responsible in whatever they write, say or post on social media

What are your plans for 2021 to take your life and career ahead?
I just want to get up every day of my life and work. 2021 is going to be a busy year for me and I am grateful for that. I am excited as the year has begun on a great note with announcement of my upcoming film Animal directed by Sandeep Vanga, and I am looking forward to many such more offers in 2021

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