I’ve learnt time management thanks to OTT: Pooja Gor

For Pooja A Gor, coming back to her hometown Ahmedabad is always “therapeutic”. Post the pandemic, Pooja has consciously made more trips to the city. She says, “Ahmedabad is close to my heart, it is very special to me. I devoted a bulk of this trip visiting my favourite haunts that were such an important part of my growing up years. When I see how much the city has changed over the last few years, I feel a sense of pride.” Taking a break from the small screen has helped Pooja explore more places and meet more people too.Currently, she is busy doing webisodes of a YouTube show and is wrapping up two web series. Excerpts from a chat:

Home sweet home is definitely the first reason why I keep visiting Ahmedabad. Post the pandemic, I started making frequent trips to the city because I wanted to see my family more often – I never missed them as much as I missed them during COVID time. Also, this time around, I had certain collaboration photoshoots lined up, so it’s a working vacation, along with some time with my family – isn’t this cool! Also, I take out time during my trips to revisit the places I have been to in my growing up years – my school, my relatives’ homes and even the old city. So much restoration work has happened – the city looks so different! Although I am yet to go for a heritage walk and learn more about the historical details of the city, I am hoping to do one soon. Another thing that makes our city special – Ahmedabad is a gorgeous balance of old and new!

I’d absolutely love to do a Gujarati film! I have been getting various offers, but haven’t been able to pick up anything due to date issues/creative issues, etc. The concept of Manasi’s (Parekh) was brilliant. I loved Abhishek Shah’s as well. Both films had amazing production value, superb storytelling and powerhouse performances. I have heard good things about too. I am waiting for something fabulous to come my way as well!

I am thankful to the small screen for all the success it has bestowed upon me. Of course, I miss the rush of a daily soap. That daily 12-hour schedule, back-to-back scenes and continuous workflow has its own energy and vibe. But I need to get some concrete project on TV to make a comeback. Nothing post made me want to return to daily soaps. I will be happy to do short-term projects on the small screen because that will also give me enough time to continue with my OTT projects. Currently, not enough experimental stuff is happening on TV, so I am waiting for something new.

I don’t think there’s a bias as such. But TV actors have a set image and that does make it difficult for the audience to see them as another character in films. That’s why most TV actors take a break before they explore another medium, especially films. Personally, I have never experienced any bias. Filmmakers want to work with actors who are good at their job. If they fit the bill, they get the job. Mrunal (Thakur) is killing it right now in films. There are other examples as well. If you are good, the medium isn’t a barrier any longer.

The good part about doing web series – there are short term projects, so I have learnt time management – I am able to travel, meet new people, watch movies and plays and do social media collaborations. OTT as a platform offers diverse characters and storylines, which are a big plus for creative people like us. I recently completed a series with Raj & DK – it was an enriching experience for me. I’ve done limited series too, and . For me, it is essential to enjoy what I do and not just for the sake of doing it.