Both stars belong to the modern crop of celebrities who are channeling their career growth through both social media and film, but do engagement metrics translate into on-screen opportunities?
During the pandemic, streaming platforms well and truly emerged as a viable alternative to the (temporary) void left by mainstream cinema and theatrical release. The evolution of the OTT phenomenon over the past two years has been dramatic, bringing in new faces on screen and bringing celebrities out of the young talent.
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Many upcoming actors and influencers have been able to hone their craft through sketches, short films and web-series, as they consistently reach out to their target audiences through platforms such as Instagram and Flame Cards.
Khushboo Baid and Shreya Mehta belong to the modern crop of celebrities who are channeling their career growth through both social media and film, but do engagement metrics translate into on-screen opportunities?
Khushboo in a scene from ‘Garilyappa’
Khushboo, a writer-actor who. Linked with that Viral Fever (TVF) He says social media helped him break stereotypes and stay relevant.
Shreya, who is also associated with TVF, Has forayed into mainstream cinema after playing a role in hello england, Said that being an active social media personality helped her feel confident. “When I hang out with film stars, I don’t feel different from the crowd,” she said.
Shreya Mehta in a scene from ‘The Timeliners’
Khushboo, known for writing and acting girliapa Sketch, said that as a writer, he is no longer a Google actor, but simply scrolls through his social media to find out if the person would fit the character. She says that it is important for an actor to maintain an online presence and do his job. “If you’re getting noticed by the casting director because of your social media profile, that’s great!” She adds and points out that Marvel movies with YouTuber Ashish Chanchlani are already on the mend.
Shreya recalls that as a child she wanted to be a part of the larger film industry, but says pursuing a career on YouTube made her realize the opportunities she had in alternative mediums: “I was already in the public eye. And that’s what I wanted to do from a very young age.”
While these platforms play a very important role in shaping their careers, actors admit that they do not judge their performance using engagement metrics or numbers. “Some of my favorite content pieces are not in good numbers. However, if someone gives constructive feedback, I take it seriously, explains Khushboo. Shreya agrees, “I create content for myself, not someone else However, I occasionally glance at the comments and charge only on my performance.”
Khushboo, who looks like Tina Fey, Mindy Kaling, Amy Poehler, has worked in comedy for most of her career. “I love comedy; I will never stop writing or acting in this genre. But I want to test the waters and try something different soon, maybe a thriller.”
Shreya, who found fame for herself Timeliner Sketch was also immersed in comedy during the early part of his career, but he got the opportunity to play an antagonist in some of his more recent works, such as TV shows. Girls Hostel In which she is playing the role of Ramya Mantri. “It was an out-of-the-box role for me, and I really enjoyed playing her. After that, I’d love to star in a rom-com.”
One thing that binds both the actors is their passion for stories about women. “I’m pretty sure I want to write strong female characters and create content where women are central characters.[s]”, said Khushboo. After portraying the series centered around women, Shreya concluded by stating, “Female friendliness and female characters are more natural and well exposed on OTT shows and YouTube than in mainstream cinema!”
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