Exclusive! Manjari Fadnis: Audiences want to see what's different and new rather than who is in a project

Manjari Fadnis plays a pivotal role in Disney+Hotstar's latest offering, Masoom.

Manjari Fadnis (Instagram).

Manjari Fadnis has just appeared in her fifth OTT project, Masoom. The actress believes in the trend that the platform has created – one of content over stars. OTTplay caught up with her to understand what her journey in this world has been like and what makes Masoom special, among other topics.

Excerpts from the interview…

Tell me how are you feeling at this given point of time?

I'm really happy to be a part of the team and project. It was such a pleasure working with the director, makers, Boman Irani sir. It's a very well-made project, brilliant script and fantastic character which I got the opportunity to perform.

Manjari, you have slowly started exploring OTT and your last project Temple Attack was also appreciated. You entered into this space since 2019 so what would you say your experience has been like? Also, do you want to continue working here or go back to films? What's on your mind?

As an actor, it doesn't matter what medium I work in. I love all of them. My work will also be the same. With OTT platforms though, there's no stress about what is going to be the Box Office. Sometimes, good projects, because of lack of promotion or something or the other, don't end up working at the Box Office even if they are good projects. Also, OTT gives you the opportunity to watch a project whenever you want to watch it. OTT is great. I would love to do films as well and am doing them too. All the mediums are great to perform in and my job doesn't change as an actor, so that's cool, whatever the medium.

You just spoke about Box Office numbers but these days, we even hear about OTT numbers - million views etc...

(Laughs) Yeah but you know, it doesn't get out of theatres like that. It's right there and people can watch it whenever. There are times when people explore good content even much later.

This series does not have a star per say. Do you still believe, because you are in a way a star on OTT, that with this shift from cinema to OTT, people are more open to consuming content?

Definitely. Today is the day and age of good content and performances. People should connect with what you are showing them. With the whole opening up of OTT content - world cinema and platforms - audiences have really grown in the kind of stuff they are watching internationally and in India. Now, it's more like they want to see what's different and new rather than who is in it. It's more character and content-driven.

Masoom is the name of a very iconic movie. Was there some reference to that in the show?

There's absolutely no connection between Masoom the film and Masoom series.

Tell me, why the title Masoom, from what you understand of the series?

Everyone has different shades in themselves. It's how you perceive a certain person. It's more to do with that, which is why the name Masoom.

Sometimes, the people you feel are 'masoom' are actually the complete opposite of that and people you think are evil, are not. It's all a game of perception.

Explain to me your character and how do you fit in the story.

I play Sanjana, who is Boman's eldest daughter in the family. She's pro her dad and loves him to death. Being the eldest daughter of the family, my character always has that authoritative figure over her other siblings, played by Veer and Samara. It's a very complex and layered character. She's constantly at the edge, snapping at her sister. That's on the surface. Otherwise my character in the series - there's a lot she's suppressing and holding back. There are some family and personal secrets revealed through the series. I enjoyed playing her. There are a lot of nuances and so, I had to work on a lot of things internally for the character.

There was another family drama called Tabbar which released in 2021. It was one of the most-acclaimed series of the year. So, do you feel Masoom will be at par with that one or maybe even surpass that?

I won't be able to comment because I haven't seen Tabbar yet. I'll watch it soon though. I don't know how that series is but ours is a thriller family drama where the audiences will come in to watch a very interesting and well-made thriller but they will stay for the family because they will start relating and connecting with every single character and their personal journeys through the series.

Your upcoming projects?

I do have a few projects but I'm focused on Masoom right now. I have a series which I'm waiting for the makers to announce. That's why I'll wait for that.

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