Actor Sahil Arora believes the gap between television and OTT has narrowed significantly, with actors today moving seamlessly across mediums. Having featured in Mangal Lakshmi, Shrimati Shukla, Gutar Gu Season 3 and Jamai No. 1, he says what matters most is the story, not the platform.Comparing the demanding schedules of television and web projects, Sahil says both are exhausting in different ways. “Intensity is always exhausting. But when you do something you genuinely love, you enjoy that exertion. Once the shoot ends, I feel a sense of peace, satisfaction and gratitude.”He explains that while television is a marathon of long shooting schedules and constantly evolving storylines, web projects are more compact and intense. “Television is a long game with daily pages and changing tracks. Web shoots are tighter, with fixed schedules and very little room between takes. But if you love acting, the exhaustion always feels worth it.”The actor also dismisses the notion that performers need to “unlearn” television acting for OTT. “There is nothing to unlearn. It’s all part of the same craft. We simply give different variations depending on the medium. The emotion remains the same. I love acting, irrespective of where I’m performing.”According to Sahil, the creative process differs between the two formats. “Web projects are largely director-driven because the storyline is fixed from the beginning. Television, on the other hand, keeps evolving with scripts and situations changing constantly, so actors have to adapt along the way. Sometimes freedom makes you repeat yourself. A good director pushes you to explore something new and brings out the best version of your performance.“With actors increasingly working across television, OTT and digital platforms, Sahil believes the old labels no longer matter. “The divide has reduced to almost nothing. If you suit the character and know your craft, you’ll get the opportunity. I’m here to tell meaningful stories and portray emotions. If I connect with the script and the character, I’ll do it, regardless of the medium.”
