Exclusive! Why does Sharib Hashmi feel that today's audience is merciless?

Sharib Hashmi has been making his mark with each film that stars in. Speaking to OTTplay ahead of the release of Shiv Shastri Balboa, which also stars Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta and Nargis Fakhri, he said that with the change in viewing habits and exposure to international content, the audience has become quick to judge content, and only excellence is finding space.

Sharib said, "These days, the audience is pretty merciless when it comes to content, because if they love or engage with what they are watching onscreen, they will be hooked till the end. If not, they will immediately shift to some other content, because there is so much choice. So, a show or film has to be excellent to grab the attention of the audience. It happens especially on OTT platforms, and with web shows. It is tough, but at the same time it is the changing viewing habits of audiences that has helped actors like me to find a better space in the business."

Although Sharib has been working for quite some time and his Bollywood debut Filmistaan was well received, everything changed for him post the success of the Amazon Prime original web series The Family Man.

The actor, who has also appeared in series like Scam 1992 and Asur, said, "It's not that I wasn't getting work before. But now, people notice me more. Visibility is also important for an actor. I think that I am finally in a happy space as an artiste."

He was also seen in films like Helmet, Pagglait, Ram Singh Charlie, Vikram Veda and Mission Majnu. He also appeared in the web series The Great Indian Murder, directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia.

Shiv Shastri Balboa, which also stars Anupam Kher, Neena Gupta, Nargis Fakhri, Jugal Hansraj, Anil Joseph and Alison Corriere, releases in theatres on February 10.