Exclusive! Raima Sen: When I started working on OTT, no star was interested and today OTTs do not need stars for their content

On February 3, her Roktokorobi will be dropped on Zee5

Raima Sen in Roktokorobi

Raima Sen started her OTT journey on a Bengali platform with Hello! for Hoichoi in 2017 – a time when many of her contemporary stars used to be apprehensive about the sustainability of OTT as a medium of entertainment. As OTT grew stronger as a medium worldwide, especially in India, Raima effortlessly travelled from Bengali to national platforms with an array of characters. On February 3, her Roktokorobi will be dropped on Zee5. She plays borobou – the eldest daughter-in-law – of the Mukherjee family. Directed by Sayantan Ghosal and created by Sahana Dutta, the show also features Vikram Chatterjee, Santilal Mukherjee, Tulika Basu, and others. Before the release, the actress talked about her character, her journey on the OTT platform, and a lot more. Read on…

Please tell us about your character in Roktokorobi…

I play the character of Ranja. She is the borobou of the Mukherjee family. She shares a very good bonding with her in-laws. They also take her advice at every step. has very good relations. Her husband’s cousin – a character played by Vikram – comes to stay with them after a setback in his life. She tries to help and all the ugly sides of the otherwise perfect Mukherjee family start coming out. We see how lies, deception, and unpleasant secrets affect her family. Roktokorobi is a thriller but it explores love, family, and relationships.

You have been working on OTT when not many stars were apprehensive about the medium. The scene has changed. How do you see this change from 2017 till today?

I am almost the first to step into the world of OTT. When I signed up no star was doing it. And today, especially after the pandemic, OTT content doesn’t need stars. It works without stars. It has become bolder and better. Every character in a show is given a story, content has improved so much. Bengali content is also improving. Many more platforms and shows are coming up. Something that doesn’t work on film may easily work on OTT.

Given the number of thrillers that are being made, do you think there is a saturation in OTT content?

Thrillers are working. There is a clear demand for thrillers. I am a big taker of thrillers. What can be done? If there were no demand, there would not have been any show made.

What is your take on censorship on OTT?

It is not there but I think it is slowly starting. I don’t think there should be any censorship on OTT. That’s what makes it different from films. There are options for parental control of OTT platforms and one can keep children away from unsuitable content. OTT shows are supposed to be made without fear and that’s what makes them different from films. If that freedom is taken away from them then there will be no uniqueness. However, I am not so sure about the nudity part. I will not be very comfortable watching nudity on OTT and I don’t know if there should be any restrictions on it.

Are you planning to watch Pathaan? What is your take on the saffron colour controversy in the song Besharam Rang?

I am yet to watch it. I am a Shah Rukh Khan fan. I’ve grown up watching his films. I know it’s making waves I will watch it as soon as I can.

What is your take on the saffron colour controversy in the song Besharam Rang?

I think it was blown out of proportion and some people made a mountain out of a molehill. It makes no sense.

What’s your take on this entire ‘boycott’ culture?

People should enjoy films. Films are made for entertainment only and not to hurt anyone’s sentiments.

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