Rahul Dev opens on his Role in 'Reeta Sanyal', growth of OTT & upcoming projects

Rahul Dev, a versatile actor known for his powerful screen presence, recently got into an exclusive interview with India Forums and discussed about his latest role in Reeta Sanyal and his thoughts on the evolving entertainment industry. With a career spanning films, web series, and reality TV, Rahul brings depth and intensity to every character he portrays. In this conversation, he opens up about playing Thakral, the impact of OTT platforms on storytelling, and exciting future projects, including collaborations with major production houses across languages.

Rahul, you recently mentioned that playing Thakral in Reeta Sanyal has been a rewarding experience. Can you tell us more about your character and what initially drew you to this role?

Rahul Dev: Absolutely. Thakral is quite a complex character, and portraying him has been an enriching experience. He’s a devil’s advocate with a big reputation in legal circles, both feared and respected. He operates in the gray areas of legality, blurring the lines between what’s legal and illegal. Thakral is the bane of Reeta’s life, constantly challenging her. What drew me to this role was the clear strength and definition of the character. We tried to make him more believable by blurring the lines between good and bad, giving him a controlled calm, especially in testing situations. It’s been fascinating to dive into that space, and working with our director, Abhirup, was key in shaping Thakral into what he is on screen.

The OTT space in India has grown tremendously. How do you view this development? Has it helped or negatively impacted cinema?

Rahul Dev: The impact has been mostly positive. OTT has enhanced storytelling, with many narratives reflecting real-life situations in a very natural way, while still coexisting with larger-than-life stories. It has provided quality work and opportunities for talents from all spheres—writers, directors, producers, actors, and more. However, the downside is that it may discourage audiences from stepping into theaters as often as they used to. But overall, I think OTT has contributed a lot to the industry.

The latest edition of Bigg Boss has just started. Are you following the show this season? Anyone you're rooting for?

Rahul Dev: I’m not following the show this season.

Speaking of Bigg Boss, you were a participant in season 10. What comes to mind when you think back to your experience on the show?

Rahul Dev: Season 10 was unique because there was a big change in the format. Celebrities were pitched against people from regular walks of life, which brought a different dynamic to the game. It was an interesting season to be a part of.

In a time when many actors choose to call the paparazzi to cover every move, you tend to keep a low profile. Is that a conscious decision?

Rahul Dev: Not really. I believe the media plays an essential role in the growth of the entertainment industry, but with certain boundaries. Privacy is important too. Ultimately, the audience and industry peers will know you through your work, not necessarily because you’re seen everywhere.

Your popular web shows The Empire and Adhura garnered a lot of attention. Can you share any updates on their second seasons? Are they in the works?

Rahul Dev: That’s a question for the makers—Emmay Entertainment and the respective channels. I would definitely be happy to be part of sequels if they develop them and if there’s a role for me.

What upcoming projects do you have lined up after Reeta Sanyal? Are there any specific genres or roles you're excited to explore next?

Rahul Dev: I’m working on a few projects at the moment. Next up is a big Tamil film titled Good, Bad, Ugly with superstar Ajith Kumar. Our previous collaboration, Vedalam, was a huge hit in Tamil cinema, so I’m excited about this one. It’s produced by Mythri Movies, who also produced the critically acclaimed Pushpa. In Hindi, I’m working on two shows—Nandadevi, an espionage thriller produced by Endemol India, and DAU, produced by Kaavya Motion Pictures and Applause Entertainment. So, there’s a lot to look forward to!

With a slate of exciting projects ahead and a thoughtful approach to his craft, Rahul Dev continues to push boundaries, keeping his fans eagerly anticipating what’s next in his diverse career.