From Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man to Hathi Ram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok to Brij Bhatti in Matka King: OTT Continues Its Streak of Iconic Characters
By Lokmat Times Desk | Updated: April 27, 2026 17:24 IST2026-04-27T17:16:48+5:302026-04-27T17:24:42+5:30
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Manoj Bajpayee as Srikant Tiwari in The Family Man, a middle-class family man who secretly works as an intelligence officer, stood out for the way he speaks and delivers his dialogues even in high-pressure, serious situations. Balancing everyday family life with covert missions, his grounded intelligence, realism, and layered portrayal made him iconic.
Neena Gupta as Manju Devi in Panchayat plays the symbolic village pradhan who gradually finds her voice and confidence. Initially overshadowed, her journey of self-discovery, subtle humour, and emotional growth makes her deeply relatable. Her natural performance and quiet strength turn Manju Devi into a memorable and empowering character.
Vijay Varma as Brij Bhatti in the recently released hit Matka King brought forward a character that will be remembered for ages. Playing a key figure in the gambling world, he brings a gripping blend of intelligence, charm, and calculated honesty. His smart instincts and controlled intensity make the character compelling, layered, and truly unforgettable.
Jaideep Ahlawat as Hathi Ram Chaudhary in Paatal Lok portrayed a weary, middle-class cop pushed into a dark, complex investigation. His raw vulnerability, moral conflicts, and intense realism bring unmatched depth to the character. The grounded and powerful performance transformed Hathi Ram into one of the most iconic characters in Indian OTT storytelling.
Sobhita Dhulipala as Tara Khanna in Made in Heaven played a modern, ambitious wedding planner navigating personal and professional turmoil. She made the character relatable and a favourite through the way she carried herself with grace, vulnerability, and quiet strength. Her nuanced performance added depth, making Tara Khanna emotionally compelling and memorable.
Jitendra Kumar as Abhishek Tripathi, fondly known as Sachiv Ji in Panchayat, portrays a city-bred engineering graduate reluctantly working as a panchayat secretary in a rural village. His simple, relatable struggles, subtle humour, and emotional honesty made the character deeply loved. The authenticity and warmth in his performance have turned Sachiv Ji into a fan-favourite and iconic role.
Monika Panwar as Madhu in Khauf delivered a powerful performance, portraying a woman trapped in fear and uncertainty. She brought raw emotion, intensity, and vulnerability to the role. Her realistic portrayal and strong screen presence made Madhu a gripping and memorable character that resonated deeply with audiences.
