1. You moved from Bengal to Mumbai to pursue acting. How has this journey shaped you personally and professionally?
I moved to Mumbai after receiving an offer for Gandii Baat with ALT Balaji. I had sent my audition from Calcutta, got selected, and traveled to Mumbai for the final look test. Once here, I decided to stay and explore opportunities to advance my career. Calcutta’s pace didn’t align with my mindset—I prefer things to move faster, and Mumbai offered that.
Personally, I chose to focus entirely on work, avoiding distractions like relationships, although I did enter one in 2023. Professionally, it’s been a solo journey. No advice or contacts—I built my career independently through persistence and self-drive.
2. With 16 web series under your belt, what’s your secret to staying relevant in the OTT space?
I carefully select projects, even within the bold genre, to showcase different sides of my talent. For instance, I did a series with ZEE5 where I played a glamorous role without bold scenes—completely different from my earlier work. Staying versatile within my niche helps me remain fresh and engaging for my audience.
3. You’ve worked across bold and thriller genres. Which genre challenges you the most?
Bold roles are the most challenging. They demand creating an illusion of intimacy and intensity through expressions, body language, and sound—without actually doing anything explicit. It takes confidence, precision, and artistry. These roles have helped me grow as an actor, and I remain open to them as long as the story and co-actors align well.
4. How do you balance bold roles with cultural sensibilities on platforms like Ullu and ALT Balaji?
My job as an actor is to portray characters authentically. In front of the camera, I focus on delivering a performance that resonates emotionally with the audience. Off-screen, I present a different side of myself so people understand that these roles are not reflective of my personal beliefs. This distinction helps me maintain a balance between bold performances and cultural expectations.
5. With 2 million Instagram followers, how do you approach brand collaborations while staying authentic?
I only collaborate with brands that align with my image and feel relatable to my audience. I create content that highlights the brand’s message in a way that stays true to who I am, ensuring the collaboration feels natural and meaningful to both the brand and my followers.
6. How did working with Sanjay Kapoor in House of Lies impact your acting journey?
Working with Sanjay Kapoor was an incredible experience. He’s down-to-earth despite his legacy, always making people laugh and feel comfortable on set. Observing his delivery and behavior taught me the value of staying grounded, no matter how successful you become. He never treated me like a newcomer, which made our collaboration effortless.
7. Do you find acting in music videos different from web series, and do you plan to explore directing or producing?
Acting in music videos is very different—it’s more about looking glamorous and performing visually appealing moves, whereas web series demand deeper character work and storytelling. I enjoy both but prefer the challenges of acting in series. For now, my focus remains on acting, but I’m becoming more selective with projects to ensure quality.
8. What advice would you give aspiring actors and influencers trying to break into the OTT space?
Focus on your work and don’t overthink things. Success comes with hard work and patience. Carve your own path, and if you deserve it, success will find you.
9. Any upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Yes, I’m working on an exciting OTT project with a strong female lead and a raw, realistic storyline. It’s still in the early stages, so I can’t reveal much, but I’m thrilled to share more soon.
10. If you could play any classic Bollywood character, which one would it be?
I would love to play Kareena Kapoor’s iconic character, Pooh, from *Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham*. I relate to her confidence and vibe—my friends often say I have a bit of Pooh in me! I’d also love to portray a sportswoman in a biopic, perhaps a swimmer or kickboxer, given my passion for fitness, MMA, and sports.
Bio:
Taniya Chatterjee is a Bengali actress and influencer who moved to Mumbai four and a half years ago to pursue her passion for acting. She gained recognition through roles in 16 web series, including Gandii Baat Season 4 and Class of 2020 Season 2 on ALT Balaji, as well as Jaal, Kasak, Dil-Do, and Titliyan on Ullu. She also appeared alongside Sanjay Kapoor in the ZEE5 web film House of Lies.
In addition to web series, Taniya has featured in music videos like Soneya and Yeh Zindegi. With a strong Instagram presence of 2 million followers, she collaborates with brands that resonate with her image, maintaining authenticity in her personal and professional life.
Interview by: Shantanu Singh
Edited by: Mishika Goel
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