She rode the OTT wave when it had only begun in India, and she’s stuck to it. One look at her work on the medium so far, and you will realise Rasika Dugal has starred in some of the most-watched projects, including Mirzapur, Delhi Crime, Out Of Love and Made In Heaven.

“I am very grateful to OTT. It gave my career the kind of spark that it needed at that time. A lot of the projects I did before streaming came were beautiful, but didn’t give me opportunity to access a wider audience. Mirzapur has a manic fan following. I am asked every day about the third season. Delhi Crime’s story was such that I am very deeply connected to that piece of work. OTT has given me that. What I like about it is that it is a thriving, competitive space,” notes the actor, who was recently seen in the supernatural thriller Adhura.

But does the oft-celebrated explosion of OTT content across platforms also hint at a case of too much? Does quality take a hit because of the quantity? “I don’t think so. There is quantity, but the quality is still there in some. I feel there should be a variety available to the audience. Everybody’s standard of quality cannot be the same, and that’s fine. If I like to watch something that’s more in the arthouse space, I should have the option. Streaming services provide that. People who are not from the business tell me they are very happy with the quantity.”

Having said that, Dugal adds that for someone with a schedule like hers, keeping up with the steady stream of web shows and films is often difficult. “Sometimes, I do find myself flummoxed, as I am working continuously and unable to watch everything, and then I see the list is just growing. For people who consume content regularly, though, it’s a good space,” says the 38-year-old.

Dugal agrees that in the bid to churn out season after season of popular shows due to extreme demand, things can get affected sometimes. “I saw that when I watched some. This is why when the writers of my shows say it will take them some time, I tell them, ‘Please do — take as much time as you want. The product should be top-notch’,” she wraps up.