Exclusive! Alka Amin: Content has a fresher perspective thanks to OTT

Alka Amin, recognized for her roles in popular OTT shows like Chacha Vidhayak Hai Hamaare and Mirzapur, is back. This time, she is seen in the role of a mother in Sony LIV’s latest offering, Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi. While Alka played almost similar characters on TV and in films before, she has explored more with OTT, which is clear given the kind of shows she has been a part of. We spoke to the actor about the difference between working on the platforms, her role in her upcoming show and much more. Excerpts…

You have generally worked in serious kind of roles but started OTT with more quirky content. Now, you are back to doing a serious and rather emotional role, based on a reality. Tell me about the switch.

The content that we used to get in TV or films, it was either of a mother or the likes. However, ever since OTT came into existence, we saw different kind of characters. People have explored newer roles. It isn’t a switch per say but I would say OTT has given me more opportunities and so, I can play different roles.

People have most recently seen you in Chacha Vidhayak Hain Humare, which is obviously a comic role considering it has Zakir Khan. So, transforming from that to this, did you feel like OTT gave you the platform to transition faster than films and TV combined did?

As an artist, we just get an opportunity to perform a role. If that is different, then we see the pace accordingly. We don’t have a way to transition faster but since content has a fresher perspective, that makes a difference. As an actor, we keep giving the same amount of hardwork no matter the role.

Talking about different, you seem to have an unusual look as well for this one. Tell me the story behind that.

Our director Rahul Pandey was very particular about the looks. Our costume team knew exactly what costume goes with which character. The thought process of each character was churned out well. Of course, I also prepared and so, the character looks that beautiful.

Despite you trying to break the mould by doing different genres, you end up playing a mother, aunt or grandmother in some cases. Are you satisfied with the kind of roles that come your way?

Ji, majboori hai, kya karein? I am a woman and will get the roles of a woman, right? The age group I am in, I can only play a mother or aunt. Of course, I play that and I’m kind of satisfied. I give my 100% to my roles, so that keeps me happy.

Nirmal Pathak Ki Ghar Wapsi is a very real and rooted story which deals with many issues. Have you seen or faced any of them?

You don’t need to be an educated person to understand that something is wrong. There are many issues with the society and you cannot turn a blind eye to them. It would be great if we could do something about the issues.

Many moms in villages simply keep their sons straight and ask them to accept what is the reality. There might be a select few who behave the way your character does. What I'm trying to understand is, was this one inspired by a real-life person or taken from the mind?

The character is so beautiful. It is a figment of imagination but it appears that the character was inspired from real life. I just connected to the character pretty well and so, I went ahead with it.

Your upcoming projects?

I’m waiting for a few films. One is Kanjoos Makhichoos, other is Boondi Raita. I have another with YRF and I’m waiting for it desperately. Mirzapur season 3 as well, of course.