Kathal’s Neha Saraf: ‘Thanks to OTT, things are no longer mundane in the performance world’ | Exclusive

A seasoned theatre artiste, Neha Saraf has also played some memorable roles in films like Dream Girl, Luka ChuppiI and Janhit Mein Jaari. Most recently, she was seen in the Sanya Malhotra-starrer social satire Kathal - A Jackfruit Mystery. Written by Ashok Mishra and directed by Yashowardhan Mishra, the Netflix original film also features Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav and Raghubir Yadav in pivotal roles.

Neha essays the character of a police constable in Kathal. Named Kunti Parihar, she is seen trying to strike a work-life balance amid societal pressures, as she follows her dreams of serving as a cop. In a candid conversation with OTTplay, Neha talks about what inspired her to take up the role, her experience of working with noted actors in the industry and her attachment with the world of theatre. Excerpts:     

Q. Along with Sanya, Kathal features several acclaimed actors like Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav and Raghubir Yadav. Tell us about your experience of being part of this project…

A. Vijay Raazji ke saath yeh meri teesri film hai. First, it was Dream Girl, then Janhit Mein Jaari and now Kathal. It’s always great fun to work with him. You always learn things from actors like Vijay and Rajpal Yadav on the set. Sanya is also a very lovely and easy-going girl. She does her work with a lot of love and dedication.   

Also read: Kathal review: Sanya Malhotra’s likable performance makes this satirical comedy watchable

Regarding my character in the film (Kunti), around 70%-80% of women in our country manage both the office and home very beautifully. And I am glad to have portrayed such a character in the film. I feel fortunate that through Kunti, I managed to speak about women who try to balance their family and professional career without complaining about it. They are complete in themselves. 

I got the script of Kathal while I was doing Janhit Mein Jaari. It’s written by National Award-winning writer Ashok Mishra, who was my senior at the National School of Drama and is also known for his work Shyam Benegal. So, when you read a character written by someone as experienced as him, you are confident that it has come from a place of deep thought and understanding. Later, I also spoke with him about the character of Kunti, and the way he explained it, I felt that I should be a part of this project. 

Q. You have previously worked with actors like Ayushmann Khurrana in Dream Girl and Kartik Aaryan in Luka Chuppi. How is it on the set with them?

A. The best thing about working with the contemporary actors is that bohot friendly behaviour rehta hai set par. If you are doing a scene with them, there is no star system as such. They are quite aware of who they are doing a scene with, from where the other actor has come. In the past, I have been part of projects where I have felt that bohot star wali baat hai. But it isn’t like that anymore, particularly with the current generation of actors. They know that if there is a scene with four actors, aur agar charon ke saath chemistry nahi achi ho, toh woh screen par dikhta hai, and nobody would want that to translate on screen. They often come forward and introduce themselves, which, in turn, helps create an easy space on the set. We elaborately discuss and rehearse the scenes together, before going on camera. That congenial atmosphere helps us to work well, also because we have come from the theatre background and are more used to working as a team.

Q. What does OTT mean to an artiste like you who has dabbled both in films and theatre?

A. After the pandemic, the role of OTT platforms have changed drastically. I think, pehle hum sab ek mundane life mein fase hue the, aur hamein breathe karne ka bhi space nahi tha. But that isn’t the case anymore. The digital world has given us a lot of breathing space, while the audience has also evolved a lot, thanks to the access created by the OTT platforms. And when the audience grows, it opens up new avenues for us as actors and performers. Now, people have somehow gotten used to watching and understanding content in the comfort of their homes. Their tastes have evolved, which helps us artistes to perform better. 

As actors, we are here to perform, whatever be the medium. I, for instance, have also done nautanki and tamasha on the streets. All we need in an audience and we can perform anywhere. But the change that we have seen in the audience’s intellect and taste ever since the digital space has gained prominence has greatly benefitted the artistes. The way people notice, acknowledge and appreciate even the minute details in a performance truly encourages the actor to do better. After the pandemic, there has been a huge change in how a performance is perceived and delivered. 

Also read: Kathal release date: When and where to watch Sanya Malhotra, Vijay Raaz, Rajpal Yadav's social comedy on OTT

Q. Do you think the narratives and the style of storytelling have also evolved over time?

A. Yes, definitely. As actors, we also have more opportunities now to explore different characters and storylines. It’s no longer like we have to wait for only a certain number of films or series to release in a particular year. There is plenty of content, platforms and opportunities for actors. There are more avenues now to showcase one’s talent on the digital platforms. Even in terms of the narratives, the makers are more willing to explore and take risks now. It’s about reaching more people through your craft now, and just via the big screens. 

Q. You seem to be juggling theatre and films. Tell us about your stage work...

A. Hamara theatre ke bina nahi chal sakta, chahe kuch bhi ho jaye. The satisfaction that you get performing live in front of the audience is incomparable. The instance response that we get from people watching a play works as fuel for us. Currently, we are getting ready for the closing shows of actor-director Atul Kumar’s celebrated play Piya Behrupiya. 

Q. Any dream role or actor that you would like to work with in the future?

A. There’s a long list of actors whom I would like to work with and characters that I would like to play. In terms of directors, I would love to work with Vishal Bhardwaj, Zoya Akhtar and Meghna Gulzar. And when it comes to actors, I would love to share screen space with Tabu and Konkona Sen Sharma, among others. When it comes to characters or roles, so far I have played characters that have a certain amount of comic element to them. In the future, I would be keen on exploring a bit more serious roles, if they come my way.