Harleen Sethi is getting attention for her performance as Shreya in Netflix’s Shaque: Trust No One, but the actor has another dream she hopes to fulfil someday: becoming a big-screen heroine. While a theatrical film remains on her wish list, Harleen believes OTT has given her the freedom to explore different characters and grow as a performer.
In an exclusive interview with PeepingMoon, Harleen spoke about her journey in the industry, the opportunities she has received and why she values the creative space that OTT offers actors.
Harleen began her career around 2018, and the lockdown soon changed the course of the entertainment industry. Since then, she has been part of several OTT projects and feels she has had the chance to play some good characters despite having spent only a few years in the industry.
“It really hasn't been a long journey for me. I started around 2018, and then the lockdown happened. I did a good number of OTT shows. I think I have got good roles, and I have good things in the pipeline,” she shared.
For Harleen, OTT is more than an alternative to theatrical films. She believes it allows actors to explore a wider range of characters and focus on their craft instead of being defined by the idea of becoming a big-screen star.
The actor also looks up to performers such as Neena Gupta, Radhika Apte and Shefali Shah, who have made a strong mark with their work on OTT. Their journeys reflect the kind of opportunities the medium offers actors who want to experiment with different roles.
“I think OTT is one of the leading things these days. You can explore more characters and focus on your craft. The big screen is definitely a dream, but I think OTT gives you that space to work on your craft,” she said.
Harleen is clear that her ambition to work in theatrical films remains alive. However, she wants to keep building her skills and exploring different characters along the way. “Like anyone else, I have a dream to do a big-screen film,” she added.
As Harleen continues to explore new roles, she hopes to strike a balance between her big-screen ambitions and the creative opportunities that OTT offers.
