How OTT platforms are reshaping the narrative for women in entertainment

For decades, the representation of women in Indian entertainment has been boxed into predictable tropes – virtuous wives, sacrificial mothers, or vengeful lovers. But with the rise of OTT platforms, the landscape has transformed dramatically. Women are no longer relegated to the sidelines; they are leading stories, creating narratives, and driving change in ways that were once unthinkable in mainstream entertainment. Whether it’s in front of the camera or behind it, women are finally getting their due, thanks to streaming platforms that are unafraid to take risks and break stereotypes.

Streaming platforms have ushered in a new era of storytelling, where female characters are multi-dimensional and not just confined to supporting roles. Stuti Ramachandra, Director & Head of Production and Post, International Originals, Prime Video, India, highlights this shift, saying, “Streaming has redefined the narrative for women. This is because streaming has given way to greater experimentation in storytelling, leading to female characters with independent, multi-layered arcs. They are no longer there to support the male lead; instead, they are in charge of their own destinies, have dreams and ambitions, and are not defined by someone else’s version of what a woman should be.”

This shift is evident in shows like ‘Call Me Bae’, ‘Wedding.con’, ‘Dahaad’, ‘Ziddi Girls’, and ‘Four More Shots Please’, which put women front and center in ways that traditional media had often failed to do. Even stories not led by women, such as ‘Suzhal - The Vortex’ and ‘The Family Man Season 2’, feature well-rounded female characters with strong, independent arcs. The nuanced representation of women in period dramas like ‘Jubilee’ further demonstrates how the female gaze is transforming storytelling, making characters feel more real and relatable.

One of the most refreshing aspects of OTT content is the death of the outdated “ideal woman” trope. Producer Mitu emphasizes how streaming platforms have given space to realistic portrayals of women, “With OTT coming in, the narrative became real and relatable rather than aspirational or unrealistic. Women can openly talk about topics that were once considered taboo. The challenges are still there, as some changes require a generational shift, but the opportunities are immense. Women now have the platform to create stories that need to be told without societal filters.”

Shows like ‘Panchayat’, ‘Gullak’, and ‘Grahan’ have moved away from glossy, unattainable portrayals of women to narratives that feel authentic. Women on screen now ride scooters, face workplace challenges, and navigate relationships on their own terms. The barriers of traditional storytelling are dissolving, making way for narratives that resonate deeply with audiences.

The impact of OTT is not just limited to what we see on screen. The industry itself is undergoing a revolution, with more women taking charge behind the scenes. Prime Video, for instance, boasts that over 75% of its Originals in development have women in key leadership roles, while nearly 60% have women in the writers’ rooms. This kind of representation has a direct impact on the stories being told.

Chitra Vakil Sharma, a producer, underscores this transformation, “OTT platforms have finally given women the space to be real, and I love it. Growing up, I saw women on TV either crying over a cheating husband or plotting revenge in a never-ending family drama. But now? Women are messy, ambitious, strong, vulnerable, and everything in between. They’re leading thrillers, fighting battles, running businesses, and breaking stereotypes.”

This shift is crucial, not just for representation but also for shaping audience perception. No longer are women confined to suffering as a mark of strength. Instead, they are depicted as complex individuals, navigating real-life struggles and triumphs.

While OTT platforms have opened doors for women, challenges remain. Equal pay, recognition, and access to larger budgets are still battles that female creators and artists are fighting. Chitra Vakil Sharma points out, “Yes, OTT platforms have opened doors, but let’s be honest – the fight for equal pay, respect, and opportunities is still real. Women still have to prove themselves twice as much to get the same budgets, recognition, and trust as men. But the silver lining? More women are calling the shots, producing, directing, and writing their own stories. It’s a revolution in the making, and I’m here for it.”

This highlights an essential truth: while progress is undeniable, the fight for true equality in entertainment is far from over. However, the increased presence of women in decision-making roles is a strong indication that the industry is moving in the right direction.

OTT has also expanded opportunities beyond mainstream entertainment. Digital platforms like YouTube and social media have given female creators an unprecedented level of creative freedom. Nivedita Basu, a television producer and director, elaborates, “With OTT and YouTube, the audience base has expanded significantly, allowing viewers to choose what they want to watch. Creators are no longer restricted by traditional gatekeepers. Even independent films, which once struggled for distribution, now have a platform.”

The global success of films like ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ at the Oscars proves that if a story is powerful, it will find its audience. The expansion of storytelling beyond traditional formats has encouraged women to take creative risks, leading to richer and more diverse narratives.

The impact of OTT platforms on women’s representation is undeniable, but there is still work to be done. As more women step into leadership roles, the industry must ensure that this momentum is sustained. Initiatives that focus on hiring more women in writing and production, as seen with Prime Video’s efforts, need to be implemented industry-wide.

As Stuti Ramachandra aptly puts it, “By nurturing and empowering talented women within our industry, we can create a ripple effect of positive change. The fact that producers are now beginning to understand the importance of female representation, and being mindful of involving them in writing and production, is a big win for the entire industry.”

The rise of OTT has already rewritten the rules for women in entertainment, and as audiences continue to demand more authentic, diverse, and compelling narratives, the future looks brighter than ever. Women are no longer just characters in a script – they are the writers, directors, producers, and decision-makers shaping the industry from the ground up. And that is a change worth celebrating.

Also Read: How OTT has cracked the code to harness fresh talent