Netflix India is ramping up its content slate in the second half of 2026, with plans to release four titles a week across original series, films and licensed content, as the premium streaming platform broadens its programming beyond finite scripted shows to include non-fiction, comedy, longer-format series and creator-led content.

“In the second half of the year, we are launching four titles per week. We are ramping up our overall volume, though not at the expense of quality. We are programming more than 20 genres,” Netflix India vice-president, content, Monika Shergill told ET.

The push comes as streaming audiences in India become more open to varied formats, languages and genres across mobile and connected TV screens. Shergill said streaming has changed viewing behaviour by combining cinematic storytelling with the depth and frequency earlier associated with television.

“Streaming has married cinematic storytelling with a larger footprint of audience tastes, in terms of genres and languages,” she said. “Audiences are becoming genre-fluid and format-agnostic.”

Netflix’s slate reflects that shift. While premium scripted shows such as Taskaree: The Smuggler's Web, Kohraa and Super Subbu follow shorter episode structures, the platform is also experimenting with formats that require higher frequency or longer engagement.

Reality format Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa, for instance, is designed as a five-days-a-week show, while upcoming slice-of-life comedy Chumbak will have more episodes because of its character-led family world.

The platform is also working more closely with digital creators who have built large communities on YouTube. Bhuvan Bam’s Dhindora Season 2 will stream exclusively on Netflix, while Samay Raina’s India's Got Latent 2 will come to Netflix in a co-exclusive format along with YouTube. Raina’s next stand-up special will be a Netflix exclusive.

Shergill said Netflix is not looking at these creators merely as social media personalities, but as storytellers with a distinct voice and strong audience connection.

“For us, it’s not about where a creator comes from. It’s about identifying unique voices,” she said. “Many YouTube creators have spent years building highly engaged communities by developing distinctive storytelling styles and understanding what resonates with their viewers.”

Non-fiction and comedy are also becoming bigger pillars for Netflix India. Its unscripted slate includes The Great Indian Kapil Show, India’s Got Latent 2 and Lock Upp: Sach Ya Sazaa. Shergill said audiences are returning to non-fiction as the streaming ecosystem matures after its first wave of premium scripted fandom.

“At its core, non-fiction appeals because people are fascinated by real people,” she said. “We enjoy watching individuals make difficult choices, navigate relationships, confront challenges, reveal their vulnerabilities and showcase their talents.”

On content sharing, Shergill said Dhurandhar The Revenge, backed by Jio Studios, was an exception rather than a broader strategy.

“We are not sharing films as a strategy. Dhurandhar was a very unique case because we have such a strong partnership with Jio Studios. We are not looking at splitting licences more broadly,” she said.

Shergill added that as streaming matures, platforms are becoming more disciplined in evaluating content investments. “Building a sustainable business is about balancing quality, diversity of storytelling and disciplined investment,” she said.

Netflix is also investing in the creative ecosystem through the NextGen India Writers’ Program, a two-month hybrid mentorship initiative for emerging screenwriters with up to three years of professional experience. Participants will work on long-form storytelling, character development, world-building and series bibles.

Mumbai: The casting of journalist and internet personality Saurabh Dwivedi as the antagonist in Kartavya has reignited debate over follower-based casting in films, with industry executives saying producers are increasingly factoring in digital popularity, audience data and online engagement while making creative decisions.

Two key questions have been widely debated and discussed by industry professionals and audiences on social media. One is: Why are producers casting people based on their social media following or popularity? And the other: Is this strategy the need of the hour?

ET spoke to casting directors, producers and distributors to understand the rationale behind this trend.

Casting based on social media popularity provides business value to producers as such personalities drive engagement and viewership either in theatres or on streaming platforms, said casting directors.

"It is the need of the hour today. An entire generation of audiences may not connect with old Bollywood tropes. Influencers bring relevance and familiarity, which pique this audience's curiosity," said casting director Nandini Shrikent, who has worked with multiple directors and served as a casting director on films such as Gully Boy and Wake Up Sid.

Even studies support this trend. According to a study by research firm Ormax Media, 57% of Hindi films' box-office revenue comes from audiences below 30, usually digital citizens underlining the importance of catering to the social media universe and its influencers. Also, 40% of audiences share film-related memes on social media after watching films in theatres, the study showed.

Producers shared that casting based on followers reduces film marketing costs.

"Today, data plays a critical role in many creative and non-creative decisions related to films. Producers believe that replacing actors with people who have large followings can help reduce film marketing costs, as these influencers provide instant reach. Also, they believe that brand endorsements by influencers can help mitigate overall film costs," explained producer Rajesh R Nair.

But Nair observed that this trend is unfairly denying opportunities to genuine talent. "There is so much talent in the industry that is not even considered anymore. Actors are being judged first on their follower count instead of abilities. This is damaging not only to films but also to the industry," he added.

"Some filmmakers believe that people who have a strong digital connection with audiences can offer an immediate promotional advantage. These people can organically create conversations around a project from the announcement stage itself," said veteran producer Anand Pandit.

"We are already seeing creators like Kusha Kapila, Prajakta Koli, Bhuvan Bam and Dolly Singh becoming part of mainstream films and streaming platform projects because of their relatability and audience engagement," added Pandit.

Casting directors said that only those people who have a large following, but no acting skills, are failing.

"Increasingly, producers have realized that influencers work better for web series or music videos. But for films, only people with real acting ability survive in the long run," explained Kunal M Shah, casting director on web series and films such as Bhaukaal and Phule.

After his shift from content creation to acting in web shows, Bhuvan Bam is set to star in his feature film debut soon with Kuku Ki Kundali. He stars opposite Wamiqa Gabbi in the quirky romantic comedy directed by Sharan Sharma. And we have learnt that the content creator-turned-actor is about to start shooting for the same with a marathon schedule.

A source close to the development tells us, “Bhuvan is going all out currently to prepare for his big screen debut . He’ll be leaving in the first week of February to start shooting Kuku Ki Kundali for almost 50 days at a stretch. In total, he’ll clock close to 75 days for the film. It’s a marathon schedule, but he’s committed to pushing himself as the scale of the project demands that kind of focus.”

Before the shoot commences, Bhuvan dedicated the first month of the year dividing time between laying the groundwork for another project, and his intense prep sessions for Kuku Ki Kundali.

The source adds, “He’s treating this like a full reset. It’s not the usual shoot-break-shoot routine. He’s planning to stay in character for weeks without stepping out of the zone.”

Bhuvan will also star in a period web series The Revolutionaries, directed by Nikkhil Advani, slated for a release this year.

“Is it a workout or Ozempic?” That’s the comment dominating online chatter around Bhuvan Bam’s physical transformation. The actor and content creator, however, insists his approach is about balance. “I can’t make huge sacrifices to attain six-pack abs. I want to do what I can follow for life,” he tells mid-day. Excerpts from the interview:

It began with a project, but soon I realized I wasn’t regular. I was being unfair to my body. Initially, I thought I had to look like certain actors to be in films. Later, I accepted I’d never look like that. Everyone’s body is different. I wanted a physique I could maintain long-term without extreme diets or training.

I eat everything — roti, rice, biryani, chaat papdi — but in moderation. If I indulge one day, I balance it at the gym the next. My day starts with black coffee before workouts, then eggs and a protein shake. Lunch is paneer or chicken with rice, with salad. In the evening, I have sweet potato. Dinner is usually fish or mutton with vegetables, but no rice or bread.

That’s my weak spot. Even if I go to bed at midnight, I often can’t sleep before 6 am. It started in college when I performed late nights. But during shoots, like with The Revolutionaries, I easily adjust and sleep at 11 pm.

I don’t. People don’t see your daily effort, so they assume you are taking shortcuts. I’m documenting my journey and maybe 20 years later, I’ll release it as a full eight-episode series (chuckles).

There are many people in my gym I looked up to. I’d take pictures of my trainer and say, “This guy has such a natural physique. This is possible.” Some actors inspired me too; in Bollywood, Hrithik Roshan has always been an inspiration. If done right, his body is achievable. But for others, I realized that I’ll never be able to do that, which is hopefully good for me. Achieving that kind of body needs huge sacrifice, and I can’t give up biryani or chaat papdi.

Definitely. As a viewer, so many bodies on screen look unattainable. Producers often demand results in two months. I tell them, “I can’t guarantee that. What if I land in a hospital and you have to bear my expenses?” That usually brings logic to the conversation.

My trainer once said, “To get abs, you have to leave everything — even water.” I thought, “What nonsense.” If all actors look the same, it’s an eyesore. An average Indian doesn’t look like that. If I play someone from an underprivileged background with six-pack abs, it’s illogical. Beauty isn’t limited to one body type.

After making a name for himself as a content creator, Bhuvan Bam transitioned into full-time acting with his self-written show Dhindora in 2021. The series was well-received, and he had hinted multiple times at a second season being in the works.

Now, Bhuvan shares an update with us. “I have been working on writing Dhindora for a long time, but I’ve put it on hold for now — comedy can go stale if it takes too long to be made. The first draft is ready, but we still don’t have clarity on when it will go on floors. But it’s definitely on the cards,” he says.

In the meantime, he’s busy with another project — one he’s tight-lipped about but reveals is his first where he’s involved only as an actor. “It’s very different to be part of a project where your only role is to act in front of the camera and then go home. I always wanted to experience that. I love writing and creating for my own channel, but that can’t be my end goal. That’s something I’ll continue doing, sure — but being an actor has always been the core purpose. So this is a new and exciting experience,” he adds.

Bhuvan calls this his “new era” as an actor. “This new era is defined by the kind of work I’m doing. The projects coming out in the next few months will represent what I’ve always aspired to do. It’s a hint of what’s to come — I’m just waiting for the official announcement,” he signs off.

On screen, Bhuvan Bam’s Vasya will be seen locking horns with Jaaved Jaaferi’s character in the second season of Taaza Khabar. Off screen, it’s a whole different story.  Working alongside Jaaferi is a cherished experience for the YouTube star-turned-actor. Bam says that growing up, he admired the senior actor-host’s versatility and humour.

“I’ve always looked up to Jaaved sir. Watching him bring characters to life with such ease and charisma was a huge part of my childhood. He was India’s original content creator. Long before the digital age [ushered in], he made us laugh, think, and kept us entertained in ways that only he could,” he says.

Throughout his career, Jaaferi had a way of connecting with different sets of viewers—if the older generation tuned into Channel V’s Flashback, the youth swore by the dance reality show, Boogie Woogie. Bam’s connection with him runs deeper. Jaaferi was the original voice of the Indian version of Takeshi’s Castle, a staple for many in their growing-up years. Recently, Bam took on the mantle and voiced the reboot.

Now, collaborating with Jaaferi on the Disney+ Hotstar series feels “surreal” to Bam. The actor says, “Sharing the screen with someone I’ve admired for so long is surreal. Jaaved sir brings so much depth and intensity to his role. He brings a fierce energy to the role of Yusuf Akhtar that elevates the series. Watching him transform into this powerful antagonist was incredible, and pushed me to bring my best to Vasya’s character.”

In a heartfelt moment during a recent podcast, actor-creator Bhuvan Bam opened up about his decision to stay away from alcohol. The resolve stems from his personal experiences. Bam says it’s a lesson he learnt when he saw his father, Avnindra Bam, struggling with alcohol addiction.

“I realized early on that alcohol is not a solution to your problems. Seeing my father’s health deteriorate because of his addiction was an eye-opener. My father’s stroke in 2018 was a profound shock. For several months, he would look at me as if I were a complete stranger, unable to recognize his own son. It was an incredibly painful experience, seeing someone who had always been a pillar of strength now struggling to remember me. That period made me realize how fragile our connections can be and how the unexpected can create gaps even in the closest relationships,” he says.

Bam’s father battled alcohol addiction for many years, which significantly affected his health. Two years before his passing in 2021, he underwent brain surgery, a critical event that showed the severe consequences of his drinking habits. Bam asserts there should be urgency in creating awareness about alcohol dependency, as its negative impacts go far beyond the alcoholic.

“My father’s addiction to alcohol not only harmed his health, but also impacted our entire family. It was painful to watch, but it strengthened my resolve to avoid alcohol and lead a healthier life. I hope my story can inspire others to make more conscious choices about their drinking habits.”

Bhuvan Bam has had a smooth transition from being a content creator on YouTube to becoming an actor with shows like Dhindora (2021) and Taaza Khabar (2023) to his credit. Recently, he received praise for his acting skills from filmmaker Anurag Kashyap as he called him an exception to the belief that influencers can’t act. Ask him about it and he says, “I never thought this compliment would come so soon in life. Feeling to achchi hai.”

The 30-year-old adds, “There’s an old vlog on my channel where I have said that if I get appreciated by two people in life, my life will be fulfilled, and one of those people was Anurag Kashyap. While there is a long way to go for me, such compliments are encouraging.”

However, he agrees that the prejudice against influencers is strong. “These assumptions (that influencers can’t act) do take place and I don’t blame anyone for it. It’s like there’s a line ki iss taraf waale (actors) acting kar sakte hain aur uss taraf waale (influencers) acting nahin kar sakte hain. And there is still time for that line to get blurred. With art, it’s difficult to please everyone and when you come from a social media background, the judgement is naturally very heavy,” he says.

Bam acknowledges the power of the online realm as he says, “Social media actually runs the world for me. In today’s time, even if it goes down for two-three hours, hahakaar mach jaata hai har jagah. Not only is it driving every country’s economy, but there are also so many people like me who have got hope and their careers from social media.”

However, he also points out the duplicity of it: “There is a lot of fakeness on it too.”

Content creator-actor Bhuvan Bam has officially trademarked one of his best-known characters from his series, BB Ki Vines, Titu Mama, recently. “We’ve been trying hard to get trademarks for all our characters because of the vision we have for our BB Ki Vines universe. This is the first step towards that, and this universe is like the Avengers for me,” Bam tells us.

The 30-year-old has not only portrayed the character of Titu Mama on BB Ki Vines, but also voiced the new Hindi adaptation of Takeshi’s Castle as the character, in addition to doing the chat show Titu Talks. 

“Now, we can also do live events as Titu Mama. There is a lot of chance for plagiarism with such characters, like I’ve received calls saying people loved Titu Mama’s performance in Bhopal whereas I’ve never performed there. This trademark is to establish that this property belongs to me,” says Bam, who has also filed for trademarks for two more characters of his, Sameer and Babloo ji.

Emphasizing on the need for trademarks in this age of social media, Bam says, “You never know where your content is being circulated and how people are using it. So, it’s important to get your intellectual property registered.”

There’s been a lot of chatter lately about actor-content creator Bhuvan Bam being touted as the wealthiest YouTuber in India, but the he himself is baffled by the rumors. He brushes them off as mere speculation, emphasizing that he doesn’t pay much heed to such claims circulating on social media.

Previously, reports claimed that Bam was among the richest YouTubers in India, citing his channel, BB Ki Vines, boasting over 26.4 million subscribers, and his Instagram following exceeding 19 million. The reports also mentioned his assets valued at Rs. 122 crore, including a collection of luxurious cars.

Responding to the rumours, Bam says, “I’d really like to meet the person who started this rumour,” adding, “While I’m flattered by such reports, they tend to attract unwarranted attention. Nonetheless, they don’t deter me from my daily efforts to tell the stories I’m passionate about.”

Currently, Bam is immersed in filming for his upcoming project: “I’m filming for Taaza Khabar and I am excited to see how it comes together. I will soon commence the Dhindora (comedy drama web series) journey again with my characters. But I’m really looking forward to getting an opportunity to bag my debut Hindi film with a dream team.”

When one hears of a Delhi boy moving to Mumbai, the first thought that comes to one’s mind is Shah Rukh Khan’s trajectory—a middle-class boy who came from nowhere and became among the country’s biggest superstars. Bhuvan Bam’s journey is almost an antithesis to that. The internet sensation-turned-actor was a bona fide star when he first arrived in Mumbai in 2017. After six years and many to-and-fro trips to Mumbai, last month, the content creator finally rented an apartment in Lokhandwala, Andheri.

Most move to the Maximum City to fulfill their cherished dreams. Bam has long ticked that box. So, what made him move here, at this stage? “Goals,” he says. That, and convenience.

“I am now developing sequels to Dhindora and Taaza Khabar. It wasn’t humanly possible to shuttle between cities every week. So, I decided to move base to Mumbai, at least for a while.”

The past seven years have been a whirlwind for him. After one of his videos went viral in 2015, the then-Delhi-based boy quickly became an internet sensation with his YouTube vines. He followed it up with his comedy, Dhindora that became a rage among netizens, making him one of the most popular Indian content creators on YouTube. A new chapter of his success story began in January 2023 when he made his web series debut with Disney+ Hotstar’s Taaza Khabar.

For the foreseeable future, Mumbai will be his home as he dabbles in showbiz. He still remembers his first visit to the city in 2017—it was dramatic, thanks to the torrential rains that the city is known for. “I remember the first time I came out of the airport, on a wild rainy day, many years ago,” he says, building up the suspense.

“I took an auto-rickshaw to my destination. There was knee-deep water everywhere, and I was low on cash. Despite less money, the driver dropped me off safely.” That incident told him what he needed to know about the city. “This city has the best people. I am reminded of that incident every year,” he smiles.

Things have changed dramatically in Bam’s life since that rainy day. He now has a beautiful two-bedroom house, to boast of in the city. Between his writing, shooting and deadlines, the content creator-actor is doing up the house. He wants to do it up in a minimal fashion, going with his own approach to things.

We tell him that he didn’t have to face the nightmare that is house-hunting in Mumbai, complete with landlords, their unreasonable conditions before subletting an apartment, and the ever-rising rents. His star power comes in handy, he admits.

“I lucked out. They are some sweet aunties and uncles. It also helps that their children know me. Kisi se pyaar se milo toh they would be happy to give you their home. By the time we are at the stage of signing lease, they know me and my work. Since I am on YouTube, they trust me to not be unreliable,” he grins.

And there is always his Marathi background to fall back on. “I am a Maharashtrian boy from Delhi. So, Marathi words work like magic on them,” he laughs.

Building a life anew in another city is tough. One has to not only find their own rhythm in the city, but also steadily build a support system—from helpful neighbours, to like-minded colleagues, and hopefully, new friends—to make the transition easier. Bam, who lost his parents to COVID-19 in 2021, knows that the road ahead will be emotionally tough. But at 29, it’s a part and parcel of adulting.

“For most of us, this phase of life is about physically living away from the people who know us best. Technology keeps us together, but most of my friends aren’t in Delhi anymore. They are all over the world. Every now and then, we catch up and get a lowdown on each other’s lives.”

 

Living alone can be daunting. It’s no different if you’re a star, he notes. But Bam is where work is. “Delhi doesn’t evoke the same discipline in me as Mumbai does. Delhi is home, wahaan aalas failana aasaan hai. In Mumbai, if you don’t work for two days, you feel guilty. The lethargy of Delhi has been replaced by the alertness of Mumbai. You have to live up to this city’s hustle culture. I feel slightly away from my comfort zone.”

Do the little things that come with the change of scene unsettle him? To begin with, he must be used to the wide roads of Delhi. Cut to the infamous traffic snarls of Mumbai. How is he coping with them? “My projects are in development at this stage. So, we are sitting indoors and writing. The long hours of being stuck in traffic haven’t become unbearable yet. I either write at home, or with my friends who live a few lanes away.”

But surely, he must be missing Delhi food. Every Delhiite, who comes to the island city, whines about how it can’t match the capital’s gol gappa or chhole kulche. “Delhi is a class apart when it comes to food. But you have to find hidden gems in the city where the dal makhani matches up, and the butter chicken feels familiar,” he says.

So, has he discovered some haunts in the city? He recommends bun maska and chai at the Irani Bakery. “That said, I am mostly a home-cooked meal person. I like my rajma and kadhi made at home. I have stopped ordering off food apps. I used to be a serial orderer. But I have changed my ways.” 

His previous visits had already familiarized him with Mumbai. Over the past month that he has moved in, he is getting to know it more intimately. So, does it feel like home yet? “Culturally, Delhi and Mumbai aren’t too far apart. That way, Delhi and Bengaluru are poles apart. For me, it’s simple. Delhi is my safe space; I will never sell my Delhi house. Delhi is home and Mumbai is work. And I continue to be at work. Ghar toh kabhi bhi jaa sakte hai.”

Its people, and rains. 

Hate is a strong emotion. I need to live here more to find the flaws. 

I hope it keeps fulfilling dreams of many aspirational people like me. 

Mumbai always lives up to it. Even though dreams are unfulfilled at times, the city teaches us that such is life. 

Let’s see. Home is where heart is, and I’m possessive about my heart.

Creating something from scratch is never easy and Bhuvan Bam knows it well. From creating his own YouTube channel that gave him fame to creating the web series Dhindora (2021) and starring in Taaza Khabar, he has come a long way.

Bam shares, “Comedy, drama, thriller, romance... I feel Taaza Khabar opened a lot of doors for me as an actor. Now, it is up to me to decide how I want to portray myself as an actor.”

The 29-year-old adds that he is also aware of how careful he needs to be at this stage of his career. “I am new in the business. I need a lot of hand holding about what I should do next. I try to meet people from the industry who have been through this. Main sunta sabki hoon, aur ek average nikaalta hoon, and then decide if it is the right thing for me or not,” he says.

Being in a creative field, however, can he afford to be calculative about things? Isn’t it about gut feeling and relying on one’s instinct?

Bam replies, “Instinct plays a part when the camera is rolling, wahan pe calculation nahin hoti. But in a web show or music business, there are other voices involved too. I have to respect that and be on the same page. Calculation production mein kaam aati hai. But director set pe instincts se shoot karta hain, crew se baat karke hi kuchh aur karta hai. Set pe sab kuchh gut feeling ke basis pe hota hai.”

In eight years, Bhuvan Bam has gone from being one of the countless YouTube content creators, to becoming an internet sensation and now an actor-writer-producer. To others, it looks like a meteoric rise. But Bam, a rank outsider in showbiz, knows the struggles he endured to find his footing in the industry. That’s why he has decided to do his bit to encourage new talent through his production house, BB Ki Vines Productions. He has established a mandate that fresh talent will comprise 50 per cent of the writing and technical teams on every upcoming production.

With this, the actor — who recently made his web series debut with Taaza Khabar — hopes to not only open doors for those who may have limited opportunities, but also aims to bring fresh ideas and new voices to the fore.

“I know what it’s like to be an outsider with no contacts in the industry. Today, whatever I am, it’s because of the love I got from people across the country. Now, I will use my own production house as a medium to hire talented people from smaller towns who might not get the exposure that some of their counterparts from big cities [do],” says Bam, hoping that the “small idea” will make a big impact.

Rohit Raj, co-founder of BB Ki Vines, says that the obstacles they faced in their personal journeys made them understand how a nurturing environment is important for budding talent. He adds, “We want to do our bit by giving a chance to aspiring talent in writing and technical departments, who lack information regarding where to start in entertainment.”

Bhuvan Bam is probably best known for being among the first wave of content creators who made it big on the web. Bam rose to fame making small, relatable videos, all by himself. Today, two web shows starring him in the lead — Dhindora and Taaza Khabar — are being renewed for their second seasons.

As someone who has been associated with web content for so long, what does he think about the looming fear of censorship here? “I used to think censorship wouldn’t come on YouTube, but it did. It’s inevitable; we have a massive population. [But] itni nahin aayegi ki dikkat ho jaayegi,” he says.

Taaza Khabar received good reviews, but some of its content attracted criticism. For instance, a shot of a man defecating drew a lot of flak. “People said, ‘Hum khaana kha rahe thhe, humein woh scene odd laga’. My take on that is that character grew up around that place. If you don’t see that, you won’t feel disgusted with how his life is. How would you relate to his story for the next six episodes?” says the actor.

With the conversation around strong language and scenes on OTT getting louder by the day, the 29-year-old says that as far as content goes, it’s horses for courses. “Only viewers can figure out the balance — aapko kya dekhna hai... One thing with your family, and something else when you’re alone, with friends or your partner,” Bam wraps up.

His success story is one for the books. Bhuvan Bam began his career in 2015 making comedy sketches that, in no time, garnered a wide fan following. But even in his wildest dreams, he wouldn’t have imagined making the distance from an Internet sensation to an actor in eight years. Today, as his maiden web series, Taaza Khabar, has been renewed for a second season, the actor-comedian says he hopes to be a “lambi race ka ghoda”.

“I knew [in my initial years] that I won’t be able to prove much in those five-six minute videos. I knew that if I wanted to be a lambi race ka ghoda, I’d have to move out of comedy and try something new. I don’t want to be known as a one-show wonder. [Going forward], there has to be much more than this, whether it’s season two, three, a new show or a new genre,” begins Bam, who is taking baby steps into showbiz.

While he caught everyone’s attention with his sketches and Dhindora (2021), Bam says that the recent Disney+ Hotstar series, also starring Shriya Pilgaonkar, put him on the map. The actor shares that he has sensed a change in the industry’s perception of him since Taaza Khabar.

“Co-actors easily say yes today. Earlier, they would think, kaise karenge? They would [wonder] whether they should do it or not because [I] have come from YouTube. Earlier, co-actors would say yes with inhibition and after a lot of difficulty. But eventually, when they would find out about our vision, it would turn into mutual admiration.” 

The entertainment industry might have taken its time to warm up to him, but Bam’s audience has remained loyal to him since the beginning. He says that because of his trajectory, people view his success as a personal win. He adds, “People tell me that they relate with my success. But this can’t be the peak.”

Internet’s funny man Bhuvan Bam made his OTT debut with Taaza Khabar in January. For the web offering, the actor-comic stayed true to his style, bringing on the laughs with the story of a sanitation worker who realizes he has a superpower.

Manthan, a Rajkot-based fan of Bam, was so impressed by the Disney+ Hotstar offering that he gifted him a van that has been designed keeping the show’s theme in mind. While the vehicle’s exterior is covered with the series’ poster, the interiors are decorated with fairy lights and Taaza Khabar’s stills.   

Manthan drove the customized van from Rajkot to Mumbai, and then reached out to the content creator’s team.

Bam admits that he was overwhelmed on seeing his gesture of love. “The van was like a mini-home. He took care of small details, like the stills from the show, not just featuring me, but also other actors. There is also a television set, and a bean bag where you can sit down and watch whatever you want. I’ll always be grateful for the love that this show has been receiving,” shares the actor.

Content creator and actor Bhuvan Bam is currently basking in the success of his recent OTT outing, Taaza Khabar. While he is grateful for all the love coming his way, Bam says he wants to remain connected to his YouTube family of over 25 million subscribers.

The 29-year-old actor, who was last seen in a rom-com Rafta Rafta, says, “I find ample time to write episodes to keep my channel running. My audience deserves it. I can’t let go of that because they made me. Woh mujhe naturally aata hai and while doing that, I have got bigger ambitions.”

With his OTT debut Dhindora, as well as the show Taaza Khabar, Bam stepped into the shoes of an actor as well as a producer as he “wanted to have creative control”. “It was on my bucket list that I would make my acting debut with my own show and characters. There is a larger goal for which I’m here. My dream is to tell stories, and we are a land of content. I want to tell my own stories in my own capacity. It might take a few months or a few years, but that’s how I want to go about it. That’s why I’m serious about projects we are working on,” he says.

Talking about taking up acting full-fledgedly, Bam elaborates, “Every time I faced the camera for my YouTube videos, I realized acting is what I wanted to do. I remember cracking characters like Titu Mama, and many times, people couldn’t differentiate between the real me and my characters, which made me realize that I could pull this off and that maybe, I was doing something right. I decided to take acting up seriously and polish my already existing skills. I learnt a lot of new things on my way. It was a gradual process. I never thought that I’ll do a full-fledged acting job but it eventually happened and now, I’m glad that I took the risk.”

The growth of the digital space, he feels, is heartening as ever since the pandemic, “people have now started taking OTT seriously”. With many content creators turning actors off late, does he feel he fear that he won’t be taken seriously in the industry?

To this, Bam says, “When you’re trying to change the perception about yourself, the first few projects are tough as people can’t imagine you in any other character other than your existing image. In my case, casting calls started coming in right after Taaza Khabar. People saw potential and how different it was from a YouTube show. And of course, after the show dropped and people watched it, there has been a drastic change in their basic perception of me.”

Before breaking out as a singer-actor, Bhuvan Bam was an internet sensation. At a time when one’s social-media presence holds huge value, filmmakers are fast turning to potential performers’ social media numbers while casting. Bam experienced it first-hand.

“Maine dekha hai yeh. I was being preferred over someone and I got to know about it. Reason wahi, ‘Itne followers hain aapke, aap aa jao’. Maine kaha, ‘Arre, batao toh sahi, role kya hai, story kya hai’ This happens a lot. My friends tell me that [between] a person who has four-five thousand followers and a person who has one-two million followers, [the latter is preferred],” shares the 28-year-old, recently seen in the show Taaza Khabar, which he produced as well.

The singer-actor puts it down to a business-forward mindset. “They think, ‘Who can get more footfall in theatres, who can get more traffic on streaming platforms?’ I think theek hai, agar aapko yeh karna hai toh karo, eventually you will know what the story is about. Pata chal jaata hai agar story mein dum nahin hai, aur phir kuchh nahin ho sakta,” Bam explains.

This contradicts the commonly accepted belief that OTT has changed the game for both content and deserving artistes. Has creativity taken a backseat on the web, too? “Yes, because we don’t live in creative surroundings. It’s all algorithm-based. Abhi aap algorithm ke mohtaaj hain. If I put a post versus a reel on Instagram, people will watch the reel more, because it benefits the platform from a business point-of-view. Earlier, it used to last 15 seconds. Now, they allow a minute. But nothing will stay the same, change is constant,” he ends.

Internet star Bhuvan Bam seems to be quickly gaining a foothold in showbiz. The social media star has already begun work on the second season of his popular series, Dhindora, which sees him play as many as nine characters. He will also showcase his acting chops in the Disney+ Hotstar offering, Taaza Khabar. Now, the content creator has bagged his third acting project — he will play the lead in a yet-untitled web series that revolves around a young married couple.

The family entertainer also stars senior actors Atul Srivastav and Rakesh Bedi, besides Srishti Ganguli Rindani and Kamini Khanna. Bam became a social media favourite with his cheeky vines, and Dhindora — both reflecting the humour of everyday situations. The upcoming romantic-comedy, he says, will be in the same vein.

“It [focuses] on the banter between the young couple. It is a light-hearted [show], with funny and relatable characters. The project also gave me an opportunity to work with veteran actors like Atul sir and Rakesh sir. I grew up watching them on screen, and now sharing screen space with them is a dream come true. Being around them is a huge learning experience for me,” he says.

The project is backed by his production house, BB Ki Vines, and helmed by Rohit Raj.