OTT, TV, films should co-exist: Actor Oindrila Sen making digital debut with Shwetkali

Q. How does your character navigate this thriller?

A. I play the protagonist, Urvi. The series highlights a confusion over whether the deaths occurred due to murders or the curse of Shwetkali. My character spans through the series. Urvi couldn't imagine the drastic event which takes place in her life all of a sudden. The series follows a series of terrible events leading to a complex situation. With her back touching the wall, Urvi turns from a doctor to a real life detective to solve the mystery.

Q. A doctor turning into a detective was quite interesting for you. Isn't it?

A. My character, who is a doctor, is a normal person who would definitely take a certain time to fathom the mystery unlike professional detectives. The way Urvi deconstructs herself and turns into a detective to seek the answers was very interesting. Any ordinary person would do the same thing if he/she goes through such serious situations.

Q. Is Oindrila similar to Urvi or much different?

A. Definitely different. But on a lighter note, I often turn into a detective to gather some information for the sake of my friends (smiles). Otherwise, Urvi is completely different from Oindrila.

Q. Do you have blind faith in anything?

A. I believe in the vibes or energy of people. In my life, there are two-three people whose presence, I feel, in any form land me in trouble. I experienced this even in my last Maldives trip as well. So I try to avoid them.

Q. Do you feel thrillers are being over exploited on OTT?

A. I feel work, in whichever form is available, is needed. Slowly and steadily, Bengal has created or is trying to create its own space on OTT. A lot of people (actors) will have opportunities if good content-oriented projects come up in the Bengali language. We have witnessed how some Hindi film actors, who were washed out of films, made a strong comeback with OTT. The emergence of new platforms are always beneficial for people in terms of work.

Q. How do you see the gradual convergence of three media- films, TV and OTT?

A. I believe all three should co-exist in their own way. OTT is meant for web series, daily soaps for television and films for big screens. A film is always being made keeping in mind the ambience of theatres. If we follow this, we can strike a balance between all three media.

Q. Also we need to give justice to the respective platforms.

A. Definitely. Otherwise, we would create crises for us only. If we maintain a balance, all three media will function properly.

Q. What's your expectation from your first web series Shwetkali?

A. I have a lot of expectations. I always look for reactions from a few people whom I show my works to. I am very hopeful that Shetkali will be liked by the audience.

Q. Did Ankush (Ankush Hazra, Oindrila's actor boyfriend) watch Shwetkali?

A. Yes, yes, yes. I have shown him the first because both of us judge our works objectively. Ankush found the series very interesting. I believe in his feedback so I am very hopeful.

Q. Do both of you (Oindrila and Ankush) give each other feedback for all your works?

A. Yes, yes, yes. Ankush always takes me to the screening of the film where I am not a part. Privately, I give him feedback. In fact, both of us do that to each other.

Q. So what was your reaction to Ankush's Shikarpur, which has created a buzz?

A. I really loved it. Ankush looked so different. I am planning to do a similar kind of female character. I hope I get an opportunity to do such an experiment.

(Images by Avishek Mitra/IBNS)