Shriya Pilgaonkar Instagram – “I have always had a performer’s instinct. And even though I come from a family of wonderful actors, I never took it for granted. Acting, for me, was an organic step, and I credit my training as a Kathak dancer for that. I am most ‘present’ when I am performing—whether it is on stage or in front of the camera. So I always knew that I would be connected to this medium of storytelling in some way,” says actor Shriya Pilgaonkar (@shriya.pilgaonkar) ⠀ “The most significant aspect of OTT is that it allows writers and actors to experiment. People are willing to take more risks… Also, it gives so many more people an opportunity to be a part of the industry, not just in front of the camera, but also behind it. I also want to emphasise that because of OTT, the audience has come to appreciate good writing and good talent…and that encourages people to push the envelope. Whether it is Kashaf, the lawyer from Guilty Minds [2022], or Madhubala, a sex worker from Taaza Khabar [2023], or Sweety Gupta from Mirzapur [2018], I have had the opportunity to play some truly interesting characters on screen. People are looking for authentic content. I, too, as a performer, seek that authenticity in anything that I do,” she adds. Editor: Nandini Bhalla (@nandinibhalla) Photographs: Neha Chandrakant (@nehachandrakant) Styling: Shaurya Athley (@shauryaathley) Interviews: Meghna Sharma (@sharmameghna) Hair & Make-up: Pratiksha Nair (@_pratikshanair_) Fashion Assistants: Aprajita Puri (@aprajitapuri), Janvhi Jaiswal (@janvhijaiswal) Production: Studio Little Dumpling (@studiolittledumpling) Artist Reputation Management Agency: Kpublicity (@kpublicity) Shriya is wearing the Spectre Blue Co-ord Set, Torqadorn (@torqadorn); Gold Atom Studs and Sabi Ring, both Radhika Agrawal Jewels (@radhikaagrawalstudio) Head to the link in bio to read our digital coverstar’s full interview. Bazaar India’s 14th anniversary issue—the Cinema Issue…is out on stands. . . . . . . #BazaarIndia #ShriyaPilgaonkar #BazaarIndiaCover