
Exclusive - Indraxi Kanjilal on changing narratives in Bollywood and OTT: Almost every film tries to include bold scenes today
'When it comes to boldness, it has increased a lot in Bollywood, OTT projects, and even on television. But I think there's a limit to everything. On OTT, if we talk about nudity or the boldness, it is at another level. On television, it's very censored, not only in what you see, but even in the dialogues. In Bollywood, of course, films that require such scenes have them. And these days, I've noticed a particular pattern: almost every film tries to include some kind of bold or sensuous scenes,' she says.
The actress believes that cinema and television have a unique power to reflect and shape society. 'It is true that films, OTT content, television shows, or reality shows, whatever the medium, they kind of imitate society. Sometimes in a good way, sometimes in a bad way. But at the very least, they try to show reality. Sometimes it's just a way of showcasing the negative aspects of society, and sometimes it's meant to influence the audience.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Use an AI Writing Tool That Actually Understands Your Voice
Grammarly
Install Now
Undo
So, I think it's a very, very positive thing to showcase or imitate society in real time through television, OTT, or films. That's how society gets to see itself, you hold up a mirror and, in a way, either teach something or preach a lesson. So yes, I do think it's a good thing,' she says.
Talking about the increasing portrayal of relationship conflicts, divorce, and mental health issues in mainstream content, Indraxi feels this exposure is not only necessary, but healthy.
'Relationship issues, divorce, conflicts with parents; I think real family issues are shown on television and everywhere else very normally now. And they are shown as something common, which they actually are. That's why I don't think we are overexposed to these topics. I honestly don't feel that. I believe these problems are real. Any show or project that focuses on such content showing real family issues or real-life problems that people go through, I think it's actually a good thing.
'
She further adds, 'It's a positive aspect. We are not overexposed. In fact, we should be exposed to these things. These topics should be normalised, so that we don't feel ashamed when something like that happens to us. It's not something shameful. If you have troubles in your family or if there's a problem, it's fine. It's normal, right? We don't have to feel guilty or embarrassed about it. In fact, if we feel that there's trouble and we need help, we should feel comfortable reaching out, whether that's to a therapist or anyone else.
'
The actress also comes from a psychology background, and says, 'Being a psychology student myself, I've seen many people being shy or hesitant about visiting therapists or psychologists. They feel it's shameful to have problems or to even share personal things with a professional. But things are slowly changing, and that's a good sign. This kind of content on TV and OTT helps make it even more acceptable. If you're facing issues, it's okay to seek help and clear your mind.
That should be normal.'
Shubhaavi Choksey: I used to learn Hindi pronunciation from Smriti Irani in Kyunki, those days were golden

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Time of India
24 minutes ago
- Time of India
Abhishek Banerjee begins filming for Tamil debut in Chennai
Actor Abhishek Banerjee has kicked off the shoot for his much-anticipated Tamil debut in Chennai, marking a significant career milestone and a personal homecoming of sorts. While details of the project remain tightly under wraps, the actor's presence in the city has already created a buzz among fans and film circles alike. Born in Kharagpur but raised in Kalpakkam — a coastal township just an hour from Chennai — Abhishek has long shared a deep connection with Tamil Nadu. From school days spent near the sea to soaking in the region's rich culture and cuisine, the actor has often spoken fondly of his formative years in the South. Now, with his popularity soaring post Paatal Lok and the critically acclaimed Stolen making waves in Tamil Nadu, his Tamil debut couldn't come at a better time. A source close to the project revealed, 'For Abhishek, filming in Chennai isn't just another assignment — it's emotionally significant. The sea breeze, the food, the monsoon skies — it's all very nostalgic. He's reconnecting with the landscape that shaped him.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Though the production remains under tight wraps, the shoot has begun in full swing, with the team reportedly filming across locations in and around the city. As fans eagerly await more updates, this marks a promising new chapter for one of India's most versatile and compelling actors — and a return to the state that quietly helped shape his story.


Time of India
41 minutes ago
- Time of India
GV Prakash's long-delayed film 'Adangathey' finally locks a release date; 8 year old film aims THIS festival weekend
After various problems and delays, G.V. Prakash's 'Adangathey' is finally ready for release. The film, which has been waiting for its release for the last 8 years, has now been officially announced to be released on August 27th for the occasion of Vinayagar Chaturthi. With this, the fans who had been waiting for a long time are happy. With the film 'Adangathey' now set to release after overcoming many hurdles, the film's team has announced that promotional work for the film will begin soon. — shan_dir (@shan_dir) 'Adangathey' overcame censor board challenges 'Adangathey' faced several problems with the censor board. In particular, it was reported that some scenes needed to be deleted, and after the film crew edited them, it was given a U/A certificate. The film is directed by Shanmugam Muthuswamy and stars G.V. Prakash, Surbhi Chandra, Sarathkumar, Mandira Bedi, and Yogi Babu in important roles. Change in production house for a smoother release Although the film was originally produced by a notable production house, 'Adangathey' has now undergone a change in production house to sort out its issues. The film crew is eagerly awaiting the release of 'Adangathey', which started as a short film and is now a major release after 8 years. With the long-standing problems over, the film is now nearing its theatrical release, while a new trailer is anticipated to be unveiled soon to rebuild the buzz. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Live Comfortably: 60m2 prefabricated bungalow for the elderly in Serpong Pre Fabricated Homes | Search Ads Search Now Undo GV Prakash eyes double release with 'Blackmail' and 'Adangathey' GV Prakash Kumar will be next seen on big screens in 'Blackmail', which is slated to release on August 1, and the composer-turned-actor is positioned to have two releases in a month. GV Prakash is anticipated to make a strong box office comeback with back-to-back releases of two different genre films.


Time of India
42 minutes ago
- Time of India
Dhanush reveals why he almost rejected 'Raanjhanaa'; Aanand L Rai invested his own money; ‘He saw kundan in me and took a risk'
More than a decade after 'Raanjhanaa' first hit the screens, Dhanush is revisiting the film that marked his Hindi film debut. Speaking at a fan screening celebrating 12 years of the film, the Tamil star opened up about how close he came to walking away from the project. Reason? Budget constraints. Despite being a successful actor in Tamil cinema, the team behind R'aanjhanaa' couldn't afford Dhanush's fee at the time. 'They didn't have the right kind of budget for hiring me as the lead actor,' he recalled. But director Aanand L Rai wasn't ready to let go. He saw something in Dhanush that he wasn't willing to compromise on—and that belief changed everything. Aanand L Rai took the leap Dhanush revealed that Rai didn't just push for him—he personally put money on the line to bring him on board. 'This man's passion was so strong… he could have offered any actor this part and they would've taken it. But he stayed true to his vision,' Dhanush said, remembering how Rai went against all odds. 'He invested his own money as well. He went all out to cast me.' For Dhanush, the part of Kundan—a hopeless romantic turned political crusader—was one of the most intense journeys he had taken on screen. But that journey began with someone else's faith. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Duong Ben Bach Dang: New Container Houses – Take A Look At The Prices! Container homes | Search ads Learn More Undo I was not scared during my first film Even for someone with Dhanush's experience, 'Raanjhanaa' brought with it a kind of vulnerability. 'I was not scared during my first film. But for the first time, I was scared. I felt responsible. I was praying hard—'Somehow save this man',' he shared, referring to Rai. That fear transformed into something powerful, as Raanjhanaa went on to become a cult classic. 'It's not the story of Kundan and Zoya. It is the story of two mad men who believed in this,' he said. The film, also starring Sonam Kapoor , Abhay Deol , and Swara Bhaskar , became a turning point for both Dhanush and Aanand L Rai. With full grown beard and hair, Dhanush looks unrecognisable, gets spotted at Mumbai airport