For decades, the Indian film industry followed a rigid, unwritten rule: once an actor crossed a certain age or their box-office pull weakened, their lead roles vanished. Instead, those performers would receive offers to play a younger actor’s father or mother, or some sort of elder character. However, as Milind Soman recently noted in an interview, the OTT revolution has shattered this barrier.
In the interview, Soman highlighted that the rise of OTT platforms hasn’t just increased the quantity of entertainment but has also changed the quality of opportunities for veteran actors.
“Because they have more experience, when we watch them, they perform their roles exceptionally well,” Soman remarked. “It’s a good time for everyone.”
There’s no denying that the boom of the OTT landscape in India has resurrected the careers of actors who were almost forgotten or had faded into obscurity. The shift towards OTT platforms has created a unique ecosystem where experience has turned into a major asset, as layered characters require the nuance that only seasoned actors can provide. This shift has also offered greater creative freedom and massive global reach, immensely benefiting the so-called ’90s stars.
Perhaps the most dramatic comeback story is that of Bobby Deol. After a period of career stagnation, his foray into OTT with Class of ’83 and the blockbuster series Aashram redefined him. As Baba Nirala, Deol tapped into a dark, complex intensity that mainstream ’90s cinema rarely allowed him to explore. This digital success paved the way for his theatrical explosion in Animal.
Known for being selective, Akshaye Khanna has found his stride in the digital age. Most recently, his performance as Rehman Dakait in the spy thriller Dhurandhar earned massive acclaim. Some recent reports even suggest a reunion with Sunny Deol for a Netflix film titled Ikka, proving that the concept of star power is slowly fading away.
Sushmita Sen’s portrayal of the titular character in Aarya was a reminder of what a powerful performer she truly is.
Soman himself has utilised OTT to showcase his range beyond the “Ironman” persona. Whether playing the flamboyant Boris in the period drama Paurashpur or the sophisticated Dr Aamir Warsi in Four More Shots Please!, he has consistently proven that seasoned actors bring a grounded authenticity to the screen.
The “’90s actor” is no longer just a nostalgic memory. In fact, they are now a formidable force in modern entertainment. As Milind Soman rightly points out, the internet has democratised fame. For the audience, this is a win-win. We get to see our childhood favourites return, not as shadows of their former selves, but as evolved artists delivering some of the best performances of their lives. Stay tuned for more updates.
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