Exclusive! Vivek Mushran: Star value doesn't matter on OTT, people are here for content

Soon to be seen in Imtiaz Ali’s web series Dr. Arora, Vivek Mushran has been a veteran on OTT since 2018. The actor who has explored all aspects of filmmaking too, spoke to OTTplay about his experience on the medium, his hilarious character on the web show and working with Imtiaz again after Tamasha. The actor also said that Kumud Mishra playing the lead so beautifully in Dr Arora opens up a lot of hope and positivity for other actors who aspire to be in his shoes someday. In short, the actor shared that OTT has given many an opportunity unlike cinema or TV.

Excerpts from the interview…

You have explored all the mediums so far. So tell me your views on the trend of OTT, since you have been actively working here since 2018...

I really liked OTT from two points of view. One is that it's a good balance between cinema and TV. As a character actor, you find a lesser role in cinema. It is more hero-oriented. Even the heroines don't get as much screen space as the hero, at times. With TV, the quality isn't as satisfying because of the work pressure. There are no retakes and you just have to move on to the next scene. OTT is a nice balance between the two. You get a good role which tells your story for six hours straight. A director, writer and actor can explore every character well. The pace of working is also just right.

Secondly, also because OTT is available on your handset and TV. Compared to a movie where you have to go to a theatre, there's far more viewership here because it's constantly available. It's a one-shop product. That is good. You get appreciated as an actor and who doesn't like that?

Do you believe it is high time you got a show of your own?

Arre, it's high time forever. Don't people take me seriously? I hope that happens. Things are looking good. Kumud Mishra got such a lovely role as Dr. Arora. He's such a lovely actor who has portrayed the role so well. When people like him get such roles, it only makes you feel more positive. The kind of reception the trailer has got, I'm sure it will come soon. This reception proves that star value doesn't matter on OTT and people are here for content. The concept has to be good. If your concept and actors are good, your show will get viewership and be noticed also.

From the looks of the trailer, your character Dinkar Babla thinks he is very mardaana but is actually very scared. But if you had to describe him, how would you?

The way I would describe him is 'Akad maharaje ki lekin aukaad fattebaazi ki.' He always hopes people give him royal treatment but they treat him like a bakra. Nobody cares for him which frustrates the hell out of him. It makes him 'how the hell.' He's a very funny and entertaining guy.

The beauty of the show is that Imtiaz has made such beautiful, quirky characters that are so likeable, entertaining and touch you also eventually. It's a beautiful film which is entertaining, emotional and a little learning for audiences. We tend to laugh at people's problems in the columns but if you see it from the other person's perspective, it takes a lot of guts to ask the question even anonymously. I hope people get sensitised and there's a little more talk about it. The world would be a better place.

I'm sure there would be an interesting story behind you getting cast for the show. Maybe you read the character and wondered what is this man, maybe the makers were confused if you can pull it off and you left them impressed. So tell me your journey to bagging Dr Arora.

I worked with Imtiaz in Tamasha before so when they were writing this guy, they could imagine me in the role. They were keen to have me on board and my character in Tamasha also got a lot of appreciation. I was so touched and would wonder why didn't Imtiaz cast me again. So, I was very happy when he thought about me for this. When he started narrating the character with gestures, it was hilarious! I have not laughed that much for a long time. It was great fun.

Being a director-writer yourself, did you ever contribute to the story and how it unfolds? Any particular thing you remember?

Any character you play, it comes from somebody's imagination. In making the character your own, Imtiaz wrote the character, directors added something, actors added something and when you work with your co-stars who are spontaneous, you react spontaneously. It's a process that keeps evolving. We want to retain what the creator wanted by try to constantly evolve with the making. That's the beauty of acting - you have to make it your own eventually.

You have been a playback singer. You know how important music is. Dr Arora breaks the general mould of not having music in web series by adding Bewafa Mashooka. Are you also going to be a part of the journey through the song?

No, not my journey. This is the doctor's journey. I don't have a romantic track on the show. My character is complicated in his complications. He wants attention from the world and they are not giving it to him. He's poles apart from music. The only music he knows is people doing his waah waah.

Tell me about Imtiaz Ali's contribution on the sets, in the sense that did he come to sets often? Were you able to meet him and interact about the scenes?

He was there on the first day. We had a lot of workshops together. Imtiaz, me, my other co-stars, director Sajid. He explained the character and came to sets on first day. Then the directors took it away. I was thinking that Imtiaz would've helped me through the character because it was so difficult but after working with Sajid, I didn't miss Imtiaz. He literally walked me through the character. I was very impressed by Sajid's direction.

Any tips you remember?

There were many gestures so I can describe them. However, every time I was confused, he would help me understand what gestures to go with in the scenes. When I hoped that Imtiaz was there on set and approached Sajid for the scene, he showed me a gesture which was so hilarious that it was in that moment that I knew I wouldn't miss Imtiaz.

Your upcoming projects?

I'm doing some things but I'd rather not talk about it. They haven't been announced and since we're promoting this show, let's talk about this only.