Sonam Khan is amazed by the digital medium and how its character-driven structure replaces the star-driven structure.
Before deciding to leave the film business fifteen years ago, actress Sonam Khan was one of the most sought-after female actors of the 1990s, having starred in cult classics like Tridev, Ajooba, and Vishwatma. To be closer to her family, she relocated to Switzerland after leaving India. The actor says she’s thinking about returning soon and would like to sign an over-the-top role.
She tells us, “I really want to do something on OTT because with the web, there is no hero or heroine, it’s just the characters without which the story cannot move. I am not interested in doing movies.” In addition, I think OTT platforms are more welcoming and have age-appropriate stories, whereas Bollywood movies don’t always do that.
Hailing the streaming platforms for not only the kind of opportunities and variety they offer, but also for how they envision stories and characters, Sonam says she can’t wait to face the camera again.
“OTT gives you that chance to be yourself. In whatever content I have watched so far, I see women coming up the way they are. Manisha Koirala in Heeramandi is amazing and beautiful, and she commands the screen. That, I find so appealing. There are many other stars in the show,
but she owns the domain, and only an OTT project with so much of depth will offer you that scope. In all shows, there are several characters. and everyone get their own space, which they own perfectly,” she notes.
In fact, the actor credits the growth of web space as one of the main reasons that lured her to look forward to career in showbiz once again, and now, she craves to showcase her acting prowess. However, she wouldn’t want to call her entry as a comeback.
“I feel like I am starting all over again as a newcomer. So, I am still waiting to find a script and a story, which I feel is good enough for my re-entry as a newcomer and something that would appeal to my sensibilities. I am not questioning the people who have offered me some roles, but they didn’t resonate with my sensibilities,” she concludes.
Contemplating making a comeback “I am not interested in doing movies,” she tells us, adding, “I really want to do something on OTT because with the web, there is no hero or heroine, and it’s just the characters without which the story cannot move.
Many actors who have been away from the spotlight for some time may find the term “comeback” upsetting. Not one of them is Sonam Khan, who is most known for the successful films Tridev and Vishwatma from the 1980s and 1990s.
Following the 1989 success of Tridev’s song “Tirchi Topiwale,” the 51-year-old actor shot to fame overnight. Between 1987 and 1994, she contributed to more than 35 motion pictures. After marrying filmmaker Rajiv Rai, she gave up acting. In 2016, they got divorced.
Sonam Khan expressed her desire to reconnect with the younger generation in the industry and said she would prefer to do so through a web series.
“Very soon, you’ll see me on screen.” I’ve been receiving some offers, and I’m considering them. I am fully aware that I am unknown to those under 40. Since I have to make sure they are familiar with me, I don’t mind at all. I would love to participate in OTT.
“I returned in order to complete OTT. If someone doesn’t recognize me, it doesn’t bother me. I’m here to let everyone know that I’ve been here before, I’m here now, and I will be here forever. That is among the reasons I wish to return. Since the word “comeback” is positive, why not? Sonam stated in an interview with PTI.
Recently, Vishwatma, which was directed by Rajiv Rai, completed 32 years and the actor said working on the film was a fun experience. The action thriller, filmed in Kenya, also starred Sunny Deol, Naseeruddin Shah, Chunky Pandey, Divya Bharti, Jyostna Singh and Amrish Puri.
“I have special memories of Vishwatma because it was the last movie I signed officially. I told all my producers that I will complete their movies and won’t be signing new movies. We went to Nairobi and shot all over Kenya. We were like one big happy family there. I became very friendly with Divya.
Together, we were traveling, working, and having fun. Having everyone to work with was fantastic. Naseer saab embodied elegance. Chunky was and remains a companion. Sunny Deol is a respectable, compassionate, and kind person. We also shot in Mombasa.
I didn’t know we had such a huge Indian community there. At that time, I remember they were totally crazy about the shooting. It was fun,” she added.
While shooting the hit Hindi film, Sonam recalled how Amrish Puri, who played the dreaded gangster Ajgar Jurrat, came to her rescue.
ALSO READ: Abhishek Sharma, a top-order whirlwind India has never seen before