The entertainment landscape is evolving, and at the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Summit & Awards 2025, a powerhouse panel—Sunny Leone, Tanishaa Mukerji, and Karishma Tanna—tackled a provocative question: Is the OTT star system arriving on-screen soon, or is it already here? Hosted by journalist Suchin Mehrotra, the discussion cut through the hype to highlight how careers, content, and audiences are being reshaped by streaming platforms.
What They Said: Voices from the Panel
Sunny Leone
Sunny, whose OTT breakthrough came with Anamika (2022), acknowledges that digital platforms offer broader opportunities and creative control. Having invested in digital assets and launched her own game and NFT ventures, she sees OTT as a gateway for stars to diversify.
Tanishaa Mukerji
The veteran actress (Bigg Boss 7, Sarkar series) underscored the complexity of the star system. While OTT allows niche talent to shine, it also introduces noise—from influencers and social-media stars—pushing traditional actors to adapt and carve their unique identity.
Karishma Tanna
Karishma, who’s successfully crossed over into multiple platforms, spoke candidly:
“There are so many influencers becoming actors… influencers are taking it over… A‑listers are doing trends because it’s trending.”
She described the equation between social media and stardom as a double-edged sword.
Key Insights & Industry Pulse
- Star System is Already Loading
The panel agreed: digital platforms are reducing barriers—OTT gives voice to different talent segments, from indie actors to former adult-performers like Sunny. It’s an emerging ecosystem where legacy and novelty coexist. - Influencers & Content Monetization
Karishma’s quote highlights a critical shift: social media popularity is a fast-track to OTT casting. While democratising access, this also pressures actors to chase metrics and trends over craft. - Need for Distinct Identity
As Sunny and Tanishaa pointed out, succeeding in this environment requires more than screen time—it demands authenticity and strategic brand growth. OTT success is tied to how actors leverage their personal narrative alongside performance. - Monetization Beyond Acting
Sunny’s moves into NFTs, gaming, and entrepreneurship highlight a new archetype: the actor as creator, brand, and business. OTT is just one piece of this multi-pronged growth formula.
Jay-Ho! Curtain Call
The star system is quickly morphing.OTT doesn’t just host shows—it hosts careers.
- For traditional actors: Curve adaptation or risk being overshadowed by digital-first stars.
- For influencers: OTT offers legitimacy but demands substance beyond screens.
- For audiences: Expect a richer buffet—B-town icons, indie voices, and digital-native talents all on one feed.
This isn’t nostalgia versus novelty—it’s influence meeting performance.
The panel made it clear: the star system is already playing out. But who owns the spotlight depends on adaptability, authenticity, and audience connection.
Final Word:
OTT’s star system isn’t upcoming—it’s here. And like any system in play, success will be about strategy over fame, craft over following, and substance over trends. For actors old and new, it’s time to choose: ride the wave—or get swept away.
