Aahana S Kumra, who has starred in OTT shows of different genres, including comedy, action, drama and family entertainer, reveals that she is annoyed with a streaming platform for not renewing her show, Sandwiched Forever, for a second season. The 38-year-old was a part of a comedy-drama series revolving around a couple whose life changes after their marriage, because of constant intervention by their parents.

“I would not like to name them, but I am pissed,” says the actor, adding, “I was a part of this incredible show with an amazing ensemble cast. They (the platform; Sony LIV) did not give it a nod for season two. To date, the makers and the entire cast get asked why that did not happen.” 

Kumra feels the reason could be the lack of acceptance of comedy-genre shows and movies by some platforms. “It was a comedy drama; maybe that’s the reason why it was not renewed for season two,” she shares, adding, “Makers are also very angry. The platform seems to be very happy making violent shows. They don’t want to take any risk.”  

Citing examples of shows like Sarabhai Vs Sarabhai and Khichdi, Kumra says, “These iconic shows never had to show any violence or rely on gimmicks; it was just pure content.”

She rues the fact that there is a scarcity of family entertainers and comedy dramas on OTT. “I feel very annoyed about the fact that they just don’t want to attempt comedy because it is difficult to write,” she ends.

Been there, done that. But, that's not true when it comes to comedy for Aahana Kumra of Lipstick Under My Burkha fame. After playing intriguing, strong and opinionated roles, the actor tries her hand at humour with Sandwiched Forever, that released on Christmas.

Directed by Rohan Sippy, the 15-episode sitcom revolves around a young couple living on the same floor as their in-laws and are constantly sandwiched between their disapproving judgements. "The only two people who have not done comedy before on the sets were Atul Kulkarni and myself. We got emotional on the last day saying, 'nobody offers us comedy'. I am a funny person and have done comedy on stage, but this was my first on-screen. It was a liberating experience to step into this zone," says Kumra, who is sharing screen space with Kunaal Roy Kapur and Lubna Salim, besides Kulkarni in the Sony LIV series.

Having experimented with comedy on stage, Kumra was only relieved that the series was shot like one. "While we filmed for 17 days, we rehearsed for 25, like we would do in a play. We would read an episode, rehearse for it the next day and the day after, we would shoot," says the actor.