Maanvi Gagroo Opens Up on OTT Changing Careers and Why Social Media Is Helping New Actors Get Discovered

Maanvi Gagroo has witnessed one of the biggest transformations in Indian entertainment firsthand. From a time when aspiring actors had to choose between films and television to today's era of OTT platforms and social media creators, the actress believes the industry has become more inclusive and accessible than ever before.

Reflecting on the evolution of the entertainment landscape, Gagroo said OTT opened doors for performers who didn't fit traditional industry molds. “When I was new to the industry, it was—as you said—a choice between films or TV. I never really connected with TV because I didn't watch it myself. I did try for television, but I kept thinking, ‘What are these lines? Nobody actually talks like that.’”

The actress admitted that films always seemed attractive but weren't always accessible for emerging actors. “Films, on the other hand, always felt aspirational—the big screen and all that—but they weren't accessible to many of us. We would usually just get cast as the sister or the best friend. So, there was a whole segment of people—us—for whom there was simply nothing to see.”

According to Gagroo, OTT changed storytelling by creating characters that felt authentic and relatable. “Suddenly, with OTT, it felt like, ‘Hey, these characters are just like us—or like our friends.’ They spoke the way we do. Before that, films were very dialogue-heavy, and TV was all about ‘Mataji-Pitaji’ traditional family dynamics. We used to wonder, ‘What about our kind of guys?’ Then OTT arrived and started addressing issues relevant to us. That's when things shifted.”

While some industry observers argue that social media has increased competition and made follower counts more important than talent, Gagroo sees the digital ecosystem as a positive force. She pointed out that aspiring actors today have opportunities that simply didn't exist earlier. “Earlier you wouldn't know who to reach out to or who to call; you didn't know who the casting director was or who was who. And even if you did reach out, they didn't know you.”

She believes platforms like Instagram and YouTube have helped level the playing field. “Now, with social media, you have a platform to showcase your talent and build an audience for yourself. That gives you a foot in the door—meaning you'll at least get called for an audition. After that, I think everyone should go through an audition—actors, content creators, influencers, whoever—because they need to be tested for a specific role.”

For Gagroo, social media is not a replacement for talent but a gateway to opportunity. “But to actually get that audition call, I think it's a great way to reach out to people.”

As Indian entertainment continues to evolve, Maanvi Gagroo remains optimistic about the future. “Of course, all three industries are doing well now. And then there's social media—it's wonderful that people can create content there. Why not? Let there be a buffet of options so everyone can choose what they want to watch; everyone finds their own audience.”

With Heer Sara releasing in theatres on June 12, 2026, the actress continues to embrace every medium, proving that great storytelling can thrive whether it's on the big screen, television, OTT, or social media.