For Shraddha Das, what draws her to a role is the character’s depth.“A layered character excites me,” she says, adding how it’s this instinct that continues to guide her choices. Talking about her latest OTT outing (Search: The Naina Murder Case), she shares what became her reason to say yes. “The director (Rohan Sippy) and filmmaker whose works I have long admired drew me to the project. The script and my character, both had great layers, a complete arc. Having said that, working alongside actor Konkona Sen, made it impossible to say no.”

Shraddha values substance over screen time, never just lead roles. “A series has multiple tracks, and being the lead part of one of them was exciting. I’ve come up doing smaller roles, different languages. Reaching a point where I play major parts in OTT shows feels rewarding,” says Shraddha.

She adds, “I’ve done this without a film background or a big launch. Proud of the journey that chose me. Wanted to be a singer and was working on a music album when someone saw my picture and signed me as an actress. That film didn’t happen as the person and my Telugu film with Gopichand made me popular, and have been never been out of work,” expresses the actor, who was last seen in Naina murder case.

The actor who has predominantly worked in regional cinema audiences’ love comes regardless of role size, contrary to Bollywood. “The big difference is PR. In the South, there’s no paid PR. Once you sign a film, everyone knows, things move fast. I’ve signed films over phone calls without meeting people! The pace is much quicker, whereas in Hindi cinema, it’s slower, you have to stay visible. In South, the audiences connect with the stars deeply and the recall value in South is far more greater” say Shraddha.