‘We never had so much pressure’

Sonali Bendre opens up about OTT and more

Actor Sonali Bendre says streaming platforms have opened up new avenues for actors to explore different facets of their craft. Bendre played a grieving mother in the web series Raakh. She is returning to the small screen as the host of reality show, Pati Patni Aur Panga.  “Everything has its own time. Due to OTT and multiplexes, the scope of narrating different kinds of stories has increased.

At that time (90s), in mainstream cinema, you had to show a kind of film in which some things are necessary because you needed to cater to every strata of society...,” Bendre told PTI. “From the time multiplexes came in, these compulsions changed. Like, niche audience can be entertained and you can tell different kinds of stories. When different types of stories can be told, then as an actor, you get a chance to play different type of roles. So, it's a great opportunity that, we have now,” she added.

Open to films

Bendre said she is open to returning to the big screen, which she believes offers a distinct experience. Her last theatrical film was Akshay Kumar-starrer, Once Upon a Time in Mumbai Dobaara! in 2013. “Big screen is big screen and it has its own charm. Some stories are such, which are fun to watch on the big screen. If I get a role, then I will do it,” she added.

Asked about the scrutiny actors face today, Bendre said, “This scrutiny is not just for actors, it’s for everyone. I pity the generation because the kids who are growing up now, they have so much pressure in their lives. We never had so much pressure in our lives,” she concluded.