Ahsaas Channa has been one of the topmost names headlining the current Indian OTT space. With so much success in OTT, and having prior experience in Bollywood films as a child artiste, one would assume that she would have already made the big debut as the leading lady in mainstream films. However, the actress says she is waiting for just the right part.
Talking to Prateek Sur, Ahsaas Channa opens up about being desperate to do a film, yet not wanting to make the wrong choice. She also talks about how she would love to work with Shah Rukh Khan again. She also gives a perfect insight into the kind of rivalry she has with her peers like Mithila Palkar, Prajakta Koli and others. Lastly, she also opens up about starkids getting the leading roles in films like ‘The Archies’.
Excerpts from the candid chat:
Your staple has been OTT. Do you think an actress like you, who’s probably yet to get that kind of attention from mainstream filmmakers, for you’ll OTT has been a boon?
Definitely. OTT gives you an opportunity to get closer to mainstream cinema. I love being in the OTT space but I’m desperate to get into mainstream cinema and become a Bollywood actor.
Talking of films, when are we going to see you in films? Baring aside the child artiste roles and maybe a small character in ‘Rukh’, I don’t remember seeing you in films nowadays. Why are keeping yourself away?
I’m not keeping myself away at all, if anything I’m desperate and going crazy to get the right film. But I’m waiting for that RIGHT film, the right script the right part. No matter how desperate I am I don’t want to make an impulsive decision and do the wrong film. I’m getting enough offers but I feel I still have time on my side to wait a little extra. I’m working hard towards it though. Taking the important step towards Bollywood. Working on myself and my craft and I hope I crack a film this year.
Your peers like Prajakta Koli or Mithila Palkar have all already done films with big banners. Does that ever bother you that others in your age group are probably going ahead in films?
Oh, not at all! In fact, that gives me hope and inspires me! Because they’re my peers and it makes me think that if they can I can too. I love the films they’ve done and am super happy for them.
Having done so much good work, when you see a project like ‘Archies’ made by Zoya Akhtar, which has all characters of your age group, being given to starkids like Suhana Khan and Khushi Kapoor, does that ever hurt you? Or are you okay with the entire nepotism game?
If you see there are three actors in the cast who are not star kids. That is the balance that gives me hope and tells you that if nepotism exists, outsiders also get a chance.
Did you ever get to meet say Shah Rukh Khan or Sushmita Sen now that you’re an actress? Do they remember you as their son in their films?
Unfortunately, I did not. But I’m a huge SRK fan and I’m more than keen to work with him. It’s every actor’s dream. I’ve been fortunate to work with him in the past but I definitely look forward to working with him, and his children too.
There are probably millions of young actresses coming to try their luck in showbiz every day. If you had to give them one advice what would that be? Like what should one do to stand out in this crowd?
Be yourself and confidence is the key. Reach out to people. We have access to everyone now. Through social media. DM your favourite director. Appreciate and text everyone whose work you’ve liked.
What next can we see coming from you?
Really hoping you get to see me in a film this year.
