From Big Screen to Stream Screen: How Hindi cinema’s biggest names found freedom online

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards are all set to take place on December 3 and 4 in Mumbai. The grand event will see some of the biggest names from the streaming world gather under one roof.

The OTT medium has helped a lot of Hindi film actors become known names. As we brace ourselves for the grand event, here’s having a look at 7 Hindi cinema actors who have found freedom online:

Sushmita Sen – Aarya Series (Disney+ Hotstar) & Taali

After years away from the big screen, Sushmita Sen made a phenomenal return with Aarya, playing a mother forced into the world of crime. Her commanding presence and emotional depth made the show one of the most acclaimed OTT hits. She followed it up with Taali, portraying transgender activist Gauri Sawant with rare dignity and power, reaffirming her status as a fearless performer.

Manoj Bajpayee – The Family Man (Prime Video) & Killer Soup (Netflix)

Manoj Bajpayee became the face of India’s streaming boom with The Family Man, where his portrayal of the relatable yet razor-sharp Srikant Tiwari redefined the Indian spy genre. In Killer Soup, he showcased his chameleon-like range by playing dual roles with dark humour and emotional precision. OTT gave Bajpayee the mainstream recognition he long deserved.

Jaideep Ahlawat – Paatal Lok (Prime Video) & The Broken News (ZEE5)

 

Jaideep Ahlawat’s breakout as Hathiram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok was nothing short of phenomenal — raw, real, and riveting. The show cemented him as one of the finest actors of his generation. He continued his winning streak with The Broken News and web films like Jaane Jaan, proving that subtlety and intensity can coexist beautifully in performance.

Raveena Tandon – Aranyak (Netflix) & Karmma Calling (Disney+ Hotstar)

With Aranyak, Raveena Tandon shed her glam image and embraced a layered, small-town police officer’s role, earning critical acclaim. Her recent turn in Karmma Calling showcased her flair for playing icy, commanding characters. OTT has given her a second innings that highlights her emotional and dramatic strength like never before.

Pankaj Tripathi – Mirzapur, Criminal Justice, Kadak Singh (Prime Video, Hotstar, ZEE5)

Pankaj Tripathi is arguably the most definitive face of India’s OTT revolution. From the menacing Kaleen Bhaiya in Mirzapur to the witty and grounded lawyer Madhav Mishra in Criminal Justice and the emotionally charged father in Kadak Singh, he’s delivered masterclass after masterclass. His understated brilliance has made him a favourite of both critics and audiences.

Karishma Tanna – Scoop (Netflix)

Karishma Tanna reinvented herself completely with Hansal Mehta’s Scoop, based on journalist Jigna Vora’s life. Her grounded, deeply human performance as Jagruti Pathak — a reporter caught in a media and crime storm — surprised everyone and won her multiple awards. From glamour to grit, Tanna’s transformation has been one of OTT’s most inspiring success stories.

Abhishek Bachchan – Breathe: Into the Shadows (Prime Video) & Ludo, Dasvi (Netflix)

Abhishek Bachchan found renewed creative energy in the digital space. His turn in Breathe: Into the Shadows showcased a complex psyche, while Ludo and Dasvi revealed his comfort in balancing intensity with humour. OTT has allowed him to explore layered, unconventional characters — a space where he’s thrived artistically.

The Bollywood Hungama OTT India Fest and India Entertainment Awards is presented by SleepZ by Raymond, co-powered by Fima, Carlo Frattini, and Amante in association with Helios, Style Partner Rare Rabbit, Lovestory Patner Truly Madly, Stylish Furniture Partner Uraban Ladder, with healthcare partner HCG, skincare partner Fixferma, Spirituality partner Satvik, conversation partner Bevzilla, gourmet dessert partner Smoor, nutrition partner The Naturik Co., radio partner Radio City and celebration partner Heineken Silver.

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