From Shorts to OTT series – how Yajat Dhingra is reinventing himself

Yajat Dhingra, a popular digital content creator, has successfully transitioned into the world of acting with his debut in Ek Farzi Love Story. Known for his engaging and relatable social media content, Yajat brings his unique charm and comedic timing to the role of Naman. In this interview with Adgully, Dhingra shares insights into his acting journey, working with experienced filmmakers, and how his background in content creation has influenced his approach to long-form storytelling.

What attracted you to the role of Naman in Ek Farzi Love Story? How did you prepare for the character?

Honestly, I didn’t have to prepare much for the character because Naman is very close to who I am. When the director saw my Instagram, he told me he had been following my content for a while. There was a character I used to portray in my videos, and he wanted Naman to have a similar essence—though slightly different. Naman is a lovable yet miserly character, and since I already do comic sketches and relatable videos, it wasn’t too challenging for me. The moment I put on Naman’s glasses, I naturally switched into the character. This is something I do for every role—having a specific prop or accessory helps me transition into the character instantly.

The show explores modern relationships and miscommunications. What personal insights or experiences did you bring to your portrayal of Naman?

Naman is the kind of guy who is a one-woman man, very sincere in his approach to relationships. He doesn’t know how to talk to girls but tries his best to impress them, which is something I believe a lot of people can relate to. I’m not saying I don’t know how to talk to girls (laughs), but I think we all have a Naman inside us—someone who wants to put their best foot forward in front of someone they like. The character was already relatable, so I just had to bring out that side of me rather than create something entirely new.

How has working with directors like Aarambhh M Singh and writers like Sumrit Shahi and Durjoy Datta shaped your acting approach?

Working with Aarambhh sir was an amazing experience. Since this was my debut, I wanted to give my 100% to the role. He believed in me, and that gave me the confidence to live up to his expectations. One important lesson he taught me was to observe everything on set—even on the days I wasn’t shooting. He encouraged me to understand the technical aspects, like camera angles, framing, and lighting. This helped me eliminate distractions and focus entirely on my performance. I’m truly grateful to Aarambhh sir, Sumrit, and Durjoy for trusting me with this role.

Ek Farzi Love Story has received positive feedback for its engaging storyline. What scene or moment from the series do you feel particularly proud of?

There’s a scene that has gone viral on social media where I tell my friend, Anshuman (the lead character), not to post a story. It’s about influencers promoting betting apps, and the dialogue I deliver really resonated with people. I feel proud of this scene not just because I acted well but also because it sends an important message. Many influencers promote betting apps for money, but I personally don’t support it. The dialogue says, "Agar hazaarmein se ek ke saath bhi galat ho raha hai, tohwoh galat hi hai"—which means that even if one person suffers because of it, it’s still wrong. The response to this scene has been overwhelming, and I’m glad it’s making an impact.

As a digital content creator, you’ve built a loyal audience. How has this background influenced your transition to acting in a long-form series?

Creating content daily has helped me become comfortable in front of the camera, which is crucial for an actor. Facing the camera regularly builds confidence, and that has helped me transition smoothly into long-form content. Also, my loyal audience played a huge role in the success of my debut. Many people watched the show because they had seen my content before. Moving from short-form videos to a full-fledged series was a big change, but it was something I always wanted. Unlike short videos where you have to convey everything in 30-40 seconds, acting in a series allowed me to live in the character for an extended period, which was a fulfilling experience.

After coming home from the set, did you still feel like Naman?

On set, I wouldn’t be Naman all the time, but his vibe stayed with me. Naman is funny and energetic, and since I naturally have that side to me, it felt like an extension of myself. The glasses were a key element that helped me switch into character, and Aarambhh sir insisted I wear them because they gave Naman a distinct look.

Were there any challenges you faced moving from short, self-produced content to a professionally directed OTT series?

Not really! The transition felt natural because this was my goal from the beginning. I started creating short-form content with the intention of eventually moving into long-form storytelling. I was also comfortable with following a script because I used to write and perform plays during my school days. Whether it’s my own scripted content or a director’s script, my focus has always been on delivering the character authentically.

Do you see acting in traditional formats as a natural extension of your creative journey or a completely new chapter?

It’s definitely a new chapter in my life. I moved back from Canada in January 2024 to pursue acting seriously. Even while I was in Canada, I was giving auditions, but coming back and immersing myself in workshops and auditions took courage. I attended a workshop where I met Aarambhh sir, and that eventually led to this opportunity. I had always envisioned myself making this transition, and I’m glad it’s finally happening.

You’ve been very active on social media platforms. How do you balance being a content creator with your acting commitments?

Having supportive co-actors made it easier. Anshuman, Mohit, Rim, and Mansi were always willing to collaborate on content when we had free time on set. However, I made sure to prioritize my acting by focusing on my scripts and lines before anything else. There was a slight lag in my content uploads, but that was necessary to do justice to my role.

Your audience connects with your charm and relatability. How do you ensure authenticity while creating content across platforms?

My authenticity comes from playing different characters and avoiding content that promotes negativity or explicit themes. My parents follow me on social media, and I want to create content that anyone—from kids to grandparents—can watch and enjoy. One of my signature styles is recreating Bollywood scenes in my own humorous way, which showcases my acting skills while keeping it fun and relatable.

How has your YouTube audience responded to your acting debut, and have you noticed any changes in engagement since the series launched?

The response has been amazing! People love Naman’s character and frequently message me saying how funny and relatable he is. Making people laugh is a tough job, especially in today’s stressful world, so knowing that I’ve brought joy to viewers means everything to me. Some fans have even asked me to create more Naman-like characters online, and I’d love to do that!