Shriya Pilgaonkar has opened up about the changing meaning of stardom and why recognition on OTT platforms does not necessarily translate into mainstream film stardom. The actor, who became widely recognised through projects such as Mirzapur, believes that talent and visibility are only part of what an actor needs to build a long-lasting career.
In a candid conversation, Shriya discussed the changing relationship between actors and audiences, the difference between streaming recognition and theatrical visibility, and the industry’s approach to casting performers outside established categories.
Shriya Pilgaonkar Says Stardom Has Changed
According to Mid-day, Shriya was asked what it takes for an actor to achieve stardom in today’s entertainment landscape.
She pointed out that the very definition of a star has evolved as audiences have gained unprecedented access to celebrities through social media and digital platforms.
“The definition of stardom has changed over a period of time because stars were not accessible before; they were aspirational. Today [it’s more about] relatability,” she said.
For Shriya, this shift means that audiences can develop a more direct connection with performers than was possible in earlier eras. Social media, interviews and streaming platforms have all contributed to making actors more accessible to viewers.
OTT Recognition Does Not Automatically Create Film Stardom
Shriya also addressed the difference between becoming a familiar face through streaming and establishing the kind of stardom traditionally associated with theatrical cinema.
While OTT platforms have created opportunities for performers to reach large audiences, she believes recognition alone does not necessarily translate into bigger opportunities or mainstream star status.
“In our industry, casting based on merit does not happen often. You do need more risk-takers, and the audacity to cast,” Shriya said.
She added that simply being a good actor is not always enough to achieve stardom.
“I don’t think acting well is enough to gain stardom. You either consciously work towards it with the right machinery and mechanism, or you let it happen organically.”
Her comments highlight the distinction between acting credibility and star positioning. An actor can receive praise for performances while still waiting for the right role, production scale or commercial opportunity that changes how the industry perceives them.
Shriya Pilgaonkar Wants Actors to Move Beyond Labels
The actor also spoke about the tendency within the entertainment industry to associate performers with the category through which audiences first discovered them.
For example, an actor who becomes popular on television may face difficulty being immediately accepted as a film performer. Similarly, someone who builds a career on OTT platforms may have to work harder to establish themselves in theatrical cinema.
Shriya believes performers should be given greater freedom to move beyond those initial labels.
“This is an industry that likes to keep artistes where they are,” she said.
She noted that this can apply to several categories of performers, including influencers moving into acting, television actors attempting to establish themselves in films and OTT performers seeking opportunities in mainstream cinema.
According to Shriya, acceptance does not always happen immediately, with a major breakthrough often becoming the moment that changes an actor’s position within the industry.
Commercial Success Can Change an Actor’s Position
Shriya also discussed the importance of positioning and scale when it comes to the opportunities offered to actors.
She said that commercial success can influence how an actor is perceived and can potentially create access to different kinds of projects.
“Positioning and mounting play a huge role in the quality of work that comes to an actor. Having commercial success puts [me] in a better position to be seen differently and capable of holding space on the big screen.”
Her observation points to the difference between an actor being recognised for a performance and being considered capable of carrying a large theatrical production.
For performers transitioning from streaming to cinema, securing that kind of opportunity can therefore become an important part of changing their professional positioning.
Pankaj Tripathi and Jaideep Ahlawat’s Stardom
Shriya also offered a broader perspective on what makes someone a star today.
She cited actors such as Pankaj Tripathi and Jaideep Ahlawat, whose popularity has grown substantially through character-driven performances across films and streaming projects.
“Today, Pankaj ji [Tripathi] or Jaideep Ahlawat, who are stars, are introduced [as such]. For the audience, based on their relationship with the person, they call all of us stars,” she said.
Her comments suggest that contemporary stardom may not necessarily follow the traditional route of blockbuster theatrical films alone. For some performers, a sustained relationship with audiences can become equally important in determining their star appeal.
What’s Next for Shriya Pilgaonkar?
Shriya Pilgaonkar has already built a varied screen career across films and streaming projects. Her breakthrough recognition among a wider audience came through Mirzapur, while she has continued exploring different genres and characters.
She has also completed filming for Baara Number, a found-footage horror film associated with Vir Das.
As streaming continues to reshape the entertainment industry, Shriya’s comments come at a time when the traditional definition of a movie star is increasingly being debated. For actors building their careers outside conventional Bollywood pathways, visibility may open the door—but the right casting opportunity can determine how far that recognition ultimately travels.
