EXCLUSIVE: Jamtara 2 actor Udit Arora shares his thoughts on nepotism: I feel they have an advantage

Actor Udit Arora, who made his acting debut in Bollywood with the movie, The Zoya Factor, is popularly known for his work in the web series Jamtara. He is also a part of season two of Jamtara. And, the actor continues to win hearts with his stellar performances. Udit was also seen in the show Crash Course, featuring Annu Kapoor.

In an exclusive interview with Bollywood Bubble, Jamtara 2 actor Udit Arora shared his thoughts on nepotism. He also spoke about the boom in the OTT space, movies, and his upcoming projects.

You play the role of a cyber cell officer in the first and second season of Jamtara. How was it playing Saurabh? Do you want to share your experience on the same?

I think Saurabh is based on a real-life character. The writer told me this. He met this person in Jharkhand when they had gone for the research of the first season. There are people like that, who are working under these conditions, where they are not getting what they’re capable of doing things. But, the IT act and the laws are so weak in all of these things, that they’re not able to make big changes. So, my character is inspired by the real-life situation of the cyber cell guys, in remote places. It was good, researching about it, knowing about it.

 

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You made your Bollywood movie debut with The Zoya Factor in 2019. Post that, you directly ventured into the OTT space. Why did you venture into the web series space more than movies?

I think films don’t have the content value as OTT is able to offer. So, of course, it’s totally content reason. There are characters that are meaty. A web series is like a very large film. It is a 6-7 hour-long film, in that sense. So, your character is explored more. The drama is more. The subplots are more. I think it’s very interesting. And, for people from theatre backgrounds, we always look for content. I think that was very nice. Because the OTT boom happened in our time only. I think we all (actors) are grateful for that. We are getting work because of that.

Looking forward now, would you want to venture into the OTT space, or you would want to venture into films or both?

I think I want to maintain a good balance of it. Because, I think, there are many people, even film directors, who are venturing into the OTT space. I think it’s all mixed now. I think it’s just about the right project. And, it doesn’t matter if it is a film or an OTT, but it should have value in that sense.

With Bollywood movies finding their footing after the release of movies like Brahmastra, Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2, finally, in the post-pandemic era, do you think venturing into the OTT space would be a good plan further, or getting into the movies?

I think that is very subjective again. You can never tell what the audience will like; their taste also keeps evolving. Also, with the OTT boom that happened and obviously the lockdown, the audience has consumed so much from all over the world, I think it’s all evolving. I think films will be films. The charm of the big screen will not fade away, that experience you can’t have on the TV screen or your laptop. I think films will have the experience of it all. So, I think, it’s a mix, but films will be films. It will always be different from OTT. I think I would like it like that.

 

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You are an outsider and you too have struggled your way to bag your debut film. What are your thoughts on the nepotism debate?

I think nepotism has its own space. Because I think it can be used in a negative way. They have an advantage, I feel. Of course. But, they are here, and they know the stuff, what is going on and not. It makes sense also if they are the children of big Bollywood stars and whatever. I think if they want to be involved and they have an advantage above anyone else, so I think, it’s not their fault. So, I don’t see it like that. But, I feel that there should be equality in opportunity. That if people are coming from outside, then they are also good actors, and good artists, then you should give them also a chance.

It should not be that we are closing doors for you. And the doors will be open for just these people. I think everyone should work, irrespective. I think it should depend on their merit. Even if someone is getting an advantage, fine. Even these things keep on happening. But, somehow, I think, there should be a balance. Merit pe hona chahiye kaam. It also boils down to that, that if you don’t have talent, if you don’t have merit, how long will you be able to survive, even if you have that advantage if the audience does not accept you? So, I think, for people like us, it will take time, but if you’re honest enough, it will come somehow. The hard work does not go to waste.

Anything you would like to share about your upcoming projects?

I am actually working on a film for Excel Entertainment. I can’t say much. I am working on it now and it’s almost going to be over. I’ve just completed a show with Homi Adajania for Hotstar. He is a film director. There is another project which is at a very nascent stage.

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