Shruti Gholap on Why TV Dramas Still Matter in the OTT Era

Television may be fighting for attention in a world of reels and binge-worthy OTT shows, but actress Shruti Gholap isn't worried about her medium losing relevance. The actress, who plays Malti in Studio LSD's hit drama Oh Humnava Tum Dena Saath Mera, recently opened up about what keeps audiences hooked to the show - and why she believes daily soaps still hold their own against streaming content.

A Story That Mirrors Real Life, Not a Fairy Tale

Much of the show's appeal, according to Shruti, lies in how unapologetically real it is. The bond between lead characters Aparajita and Rakshit resonates with viewers precisely because it doesn't follow a conventional script.

"What this story basically tells everyone is that life is not perfect. It is not flowery, dreamy, or textbook-like. Things can happen late - after first marriage, after divorce. Life can start at 35 or 40. It's never too late to start," she said.

She added that the show pushes back against the timelines society often imposes on people. "We think we will marry at 20 and have children at 25, but life doesn't go as society expects. At the end of the day, society doesn't ask whether you are happy or not. This serial shows the real face of relationships."

Staying Unaffected by Social Media Noise

With audiences increasingly vocal on social media about storylines and characters, Shruti was asked whether online reactions shape how she approaches her role. Her answer was straightforward - she leaves the storytelling decisions to the people in charge.

"It's my work. I have to act according to what writers, producers, and channels decide. I don't get influenced by social media feedback because it is not in my control," she said.

TV vs OTT: "A Ritual" vs "A One-Night Stand"

Perhaps the most striking part of the conversation was Shruti's take on how television compares to the short-form, scroll-and-forget content dominating OTT platforms and social media today.

"OTT and reels are like micro-relationships, like a one-night stand. But long-running TV shows are like a ritual. If you miss the 8 PM telecast, it becomes part of your routine you look forward to," she said.

She believes this sense of routine is what gives television an edge that OTT struggles to replicate. "TV shows are like a ritual - people remember what happened in yesterday's episode. But short-form content is often forgotten quickly."

What's Next for the Show?

Without giving away any spoilers, Shruti teased that the drama still has plenty of twists in store. "What is bad today can be good tomorrow, and what is good today can change. Everyone has a tipping point. You have to keep watching to see how things unfold," she signed off.