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Streaming: India's New Stardom Gateway?
2 Oct
Summary
- Streaming platforms democratized Indian stardom.
- Bollywood's 90s industry was highly unequal.
- TV and streaming shifted industry power dynamics.
The Indian entertainment landscape has transformed, with streaming platforms democratizing stardom and making previously unknown actors household names. Figures like Jaideep Ahlawat and Pratik Gandhi saw their careers skyrocket after their roles in popular web series, a stark contrast to the industry's more exclusive past.
Actor Gajraj Rao drew a parallel between the 1990s film industry and a segregated train, where stars occupied the first-class AC compartment, leaving others to struggle in general coaches. This unequal system has since seen significant shifts.
The arrival of private television networks and producers like Ekta Kapoor in earlier years began to professionalize the industry, offering actors better work and respect. Subsequently, streaming platforms have further opened access, akin to adding second and third-class AC compartments to the industry's train.
This evolution has enabled more actors to secure their 'berths' and gain recognition. Rao notes that this has even allowed some actors to cross over into the coveted first-class, signifying a more inclusive era for talent in Indian cinema and digital content.
