EXCLUSIVE! Kareena Kapoor Khan: ‘Evolution of storytelling on OTT platforms has been revolutionary’ | Not Just Bollywood

The year 2023 has been a fulfilling year for Kareena Kapoor Khan as craftsman with her first digital release in Netflix’s Jaane Jaan where she got a chance to explore her acting skills. She was also a part of Marvel’s Wastelanders: Black Widow, an audio show. She had mentioned that breathing life into a character as iconic as Black Widow has been a surreal experience. Taking listeners on an action-packed journey in Marvel’s Black Widow on Audible, using only her voice, has been a unique challenge.

With women’s roles changing, she believes every project brings with it a new set of opportunities and challenges for growth. In 2004 she will be seen in Singham Returns 3 and The Crew.

Edited excerpts from the interview

 Tell us on the different methods of storytelling that we get to see on the OTT platform… series, audio plays and your views on it?

The evolution of storytelling on the OTT platform has been revolutionary. We now have a diverse range of formats like web series and also audio series that offer immersive experiences. Each format caters to varied audience preferences, with more options for content consumption.  Audio series, in particular, allows for a more intimate connection with the audience, engaging their imagination in a powerful way.

Your views on women’s roles changing and getting more vulnerable and layered?

It’s an exciting time for women in cinema; As an actor, I have been fortunate to be part of projects that contribute to this positive change. Yes, while there has been evolution in women’s representation, it’s not just a cinematic trend but a reflection of the changing society too. Audiences are also now more receptive to such a landscape.

What do you have to say about this period of your career… when you are trying out so many different roles and your craft is getting refined with each passing year?

Every project brings with it a new set of opportunities and challenges for growth. I would say, it’s like painting on a canvas with an ever-expanding palette. The variety keeps me on my toes, and I believe that experimenting with different genres and characters adds depth to my talent and craft. As an actor, I thrive on pushing boundaries and surprising both myself and the audience. It’s a journey of evolution. I am relishing every moment of it.

On OTT changing the way we appreciate films…

OTT has indeed changed the way we appreciate films, offering flexibility in consumption and allowing for more experimental and diverse content that might not have found a place in traditional cinema.

The popularity of audio plays and the idea of seeing through the ears, how challenging is it? Playing with your voice, the modulation and how beautiful was the experience and how did you work on the method?

Doing an audio series is a unique challenge as it relies solely on the power of the voice alone to convey the story, the action sequences, and the depth of one’s character. It requires a different set of skills. The experience was both challenging and rewarding, it needed a focus on vocal expression and modulation to create a vivid mental image for the listeners. It’s a fascinating process that adds a new dimension to storytelling.

 What are the other projects that you are working on?

I am currently shooting for Singham Returns 3 and The Crew.