EXCLUSIVE: Zakir Hussain, Ishita Raj Comment On How OTT Changed Actors’ Casting; Former Admits, “Pehele Se Abh Opportunities Zyada Hai”

Zakir Hussain and Ishita Raj are set to return on-screen with their upcoming film Human Cocaine. Zakir Hussain, an NSD alumnus who made his debut with Ek Hasina Thi (2004), is widely recognized for his intense and gritty performances. On the other hand, Ishita Raj, known for her roles in Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety and Pyaar Ka Punchnama, has been largely associated with bubbly, chirpy characters. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Bubble, the two actors opened up about how the rise of OTT platforms has transformed casting opportunities. Scroll down to find out what they shared.

Zakir Hussain On OTT And The Changing Landscape Of The Industry

When asked whether opportunities were greater earlier or have become more accessible now, veteran actor Zakir Hussain said, “Thodi ab opportunities zyada hain. Pehle hamare aane se pehle aur bhi kam thi. Main 1997 mein aaya tha. 90s mein television shuru hua, to actors ko kaam ek alag level par milna shuru hua. Usse pehle sirf films thi. Aur films mein kitne actors jaa paate the? Kitno ko achha role milta tha? Joh parallel cinema banta tha, usmein bhi ek fixed set of actors hi hote the zyada tar.”

The Sarkar actor further added,“Jab TV mein kaam milna shuru hua, to log television mein kaam karne lage. Ab OTT aane ki wajah se influence idhar bhi pada hai. Haan, budget ke hisaab se dekha jata hai ki is actor ko itna chahiye, usko itna chahiye. Lekin mujhe lagta hai ki ab talent-based selection zyada hota hai. Ye jo difference hai, OTT ne kaafi had tak khatam kiya hai. Bahut saare actors jo actually talented hain, jinhe films mein ya kahin aur mauka nahi milta tha, unko yahan bahut mauka mil raha hai. Aap bade roles kar pa rahe hain, main roles bhi kar pa rahe hain.“

He added, “Actors ke liye mauke badhe hain. Pehle jab films reel par banti thi, to ek limitation hoti thi. Jaldi-jaldi bolna padta tha, kyunki reel chal rahi hoti thi. Characterisation ka scope kam hota tha, to ek fixed style pakad ke kaam hota tha, fast delivery, fast scenes. Phir television aur digital aaya. Tape ka zamana tha, high band, low band, tape ko do baar use kar sakte the, phir khatam. Ab card system hai, to liberty bahut zyada hai. Explore karne ka scope hai.”

Ishita Raj On OTT And The Changing Landscape Of The Industry

Responding to the same question, Ishita Raj said, “Absolutely, because supply is too much. Matlab OTT mein ab sirf shows nahi hain. Pehle shows the aur films thi. Now OTT has opened avenues for series, short films, and documentaries, all under one platform. Aur aise kitne saare platforms hain. Utni hi demand hai un OTTs ko fill karne ki. You have to create a lot of content. Kyunki viewers ki demand bhi kaafi badh gayi hai. Log ab sirf Hindi ya Indian content nahi, European films bhi dekhna pasand karte hain. It’s like the sky is the limit. Opportunities definitely badh gayi hain, especially for actors, kyunki content zyada ban raha hai. So I feel this is a very good time, filmmakers ke liye bhi aur actors ke liye bhi.”

About The Film ‘Human Cocaine’

Human Cocaine is a Hindi dark psychological thriller exploring the brutal nexus of international drug trafficking and the exploitation of drug mules. Directed by Sarim Momin, the film stars Zakir Hussain, Ishita Raj, and Pushkar Jog, each stepping into intense, layered roles in this gripping crime drama. While Zakir brings his trademark intensity, Ishita steps into a darker, more complex space, and Pushkar adds further depth to the layered storytelling. The film promises a raw, hard-hitting cinematic experience.

Watch The Full Interview Here

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