Despite earning widespread recognition through the hit series ‘Mirzapur’, Shriya Pilgaonkar believes that OTT fame doesn’t guarantee a smooth transition to stardom. In a candid conversation, she opens up about how talent and visibility alone aren’t enough to sustain a career, actors also need the right opportunities and industry backing to truly make it big.
Redefining what stardom means today
As reported in Mid-day, when asked what it takes to achieve stardom today, Shriya explained, “The definition of stardom has changed over a period of time because stars were not accessible before; they were aspirational. Today [it’s more about] relatability”.
The theatrical vs. streaming divide
There’s still a gap in how the entertainment business creates real stardom, particularly for the newer set of actors who’ve become familiar faces through streaming rather than theatrical releases. But according to Pilgaonkar, simply being visible or skilled at acting isn’t enough to achieve the kind of stardom that’s long been associated with the movies. “In our industry, casting based on merit does not happen often. You do need more risk-takers, and the audacity to cast. I don’t think acting well is enough to gain stardom. You either consciously work towards it with the right machinery and mechanism, or you let it happen organically,” she says.
Breaking free of industry boxes
Pilgaonkar sees a genuine divide between recognition earned on streaming platforms and the stardom that comes from theatrical success. Even though an actor can establish credibility through OTT work, she thinks the industry still views those who’ve made their name through commercially successful theatrical films in a different light. “Positioning and mounting play a huge role in the quality of work that comes to an actor. Having commercial success puts [me] in a better position to be seen differently and capable of holding space on the big screen.”She also feels the industry needs to give performers room to evolve past the categories they’re first slotted into. “This is an industry that likes to keep artistes where they are. Whether it’s an influencer wanting to be an actor, a television actor wanting to be a film actor, someone from OTT, anybody who’s trying to rise above their comfort zone, the industry doesn’t immediately accept them until there is one big breakout moment,” she says. As the very definition of stardom shifts, Pilgaonkar thinks the bond between an actor and their audience matters just as much now. “Today, Pankaj ji [Tripathi] or Jaideep Ahlawat, who are stars, are introduced [as such everywhere]. For the audience, based on their relationship with the person, they call all of us stars,” she adds.
What’s next for Pilgaonkar
Shriya Pilgaonkar has finished filming her role in ‘Baara Number,’ a found-footage horror movie made by Vir Das.
