Ahsaas Channa: Hostel Daze 2 shows something as serious as ragging in a fun and relatable manner

You remember her as the cute little girl (who ended up playing a boy) in Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna. She later appeared in Phoonk and before we knew it, Ahsaas Channa became a popular face in the OTT world. She explored the digital space much before the OTT boom nearly four years ago.

Now, Ahsaas is back with Hostel Daze 2. The project will mark her collaboration with Aadarsh, who recently shot to fame after his stirring performance in The White Tiger. Interestingly, Aadarsh and Ahsaas had worked together in a feature film titled Rukh.

The actress spoke about the series, working with Adarsh, her dream of sharing screen space with Diljit Dosanjh and more. Excerpts from the interview:

How has your experience with team Hostel Daze been?

It’s been exciting. The first season was fun but I have a lot to do this season. We get to know the characters in detail this time. We’ve become seniors and the story is about six characters. It’s their journey - about what they are doing in life, how things have changed for them and how they think now. It’s great to return for a second season and I hope people like our characters more this time.

Were you apprehensive about the fact that the ragging angle has a lot to do more with men than women?

The show doesn’t just talk about ragging. It’s just one episode that was fun to shoot actually. It shows something as serious as ragging in a very fun and relatable manner. The ragging isn’t even brutal. It’s very light-hearted. Each episode in the show comes with a different topic, with every character playing a major role. This time we’ve explored the girls’ perspective also. The show is more about the four guys, their journey and their surroundings. Still, in season 2, we have explored the women's side. There’s one episode where two new female characters are introduced. You see their journey as well.

You had worked with Aadarsh on Rukh, which was his debut in a full-fledged role. After The White Tiger, he has become a sought-out name. Did you see any change in him while working for Hostel Daze 2?

I was thinking about it before we went on floors for Hostel Daze season 2. He had just finished shooting for The White Tiger. I hadn’t met him after that, so I wondered if there will be some change in his behaviour or if things will be awkward. When he saw him on sets, we didn’t even have an iota of doubt that he was the same. He told us stories about his experience and the shooting. He’s phenomenal to act with and a delight. I’m just lucky to have him as a friend. I’m so proud of him because he’s done such a great job in the film. He has a long way to go. I’m just looking forward to his projects.

Apart from Girls Hostel and Hostel Daze 2, you have also worked in Kota Factory among many other web shows. Do you think the web is the future of the industry?

I didn’t consciously plan to work in the digital space. It happened four years ago when the OTT space wasn’t as big as it is right now. I did it by chance and not as per a plan. Once I started, I blended in and got lucky, which is why you see me in so many shows.

Do you think this trend won’t change even after theatres open up?

Even before the pandemic, OTT and web shows were a hit with audiences. The pandemic gave it a push without a doubt because people started even releasing their films on OTT platforms. However, it was already a big success. Even if things get back to normal, it won’t make much of a difference. People will still sit back and watch what they like. Web series have to be released on OTT anyway. It’s not a trend anymore, but a part of the entertainment industry. It’s as big as films and TV. It’s new and has made its presence felt. So, it’s just going to grow.

Your father is a Punjabi film producer and yet, you haven't ventured into that industry.

I didn’t find a good script yet and I haven’t gotten that kind of an opportunity but I would love to do a Punjabi film. I would love to do a film with Diljit Dosanjh. If you follow me enough, you’ll know I’m obsessed with him. I stalk him daily, listen to his songs, watch his movies and have even DMed him 800 times now but he’s still not noticed me. I’m a Punjaaban at heart and I’d go for it as soon as I get an opportunity.

Your upcoming projects?

Kota Factory season 2. There’s another show I’m doing with Akarsh Khurana. He’s directing it. It’s for Lionsgate India. There’s an ensemble cast. Other projects are happening simultaneously too but I can’t reveal them now.

Aren’t you doing anything on the movie front?

I’m waiting for an opportunity and the right script but nothing for now. I have got some offers and auditioned for some cool projects and have been shortlisted for a few of them. The process is a little difficult and longer but hopefully, it will happen.