When OTT platforms and digital content started blossoming, they were viewed as the messiahs for those who wanted to tell stories differently, and those who wanted to watch them. However, amidst the many shining moments and clutter breaking content we have seen over the past few years, there seemed to be developing a growing trend of making shows that kept falling back on the themes of love, sex and dhokha. Bold scenes started appearing in shows almost as if to deliberately titillate or shock viewers. Coarse language and violence became common features and most of the big budget, well marketed shows had women actors only playing supporting roles.

No woke parent sat down with us to tell us about the birds and the bees. We learnt everything about everything from the movies. Torn blouses, smeared bindis, white bra strap were all flags of bad things happening to good girls. You have the right to be skeptical; who forwards sex scenes?

In the absence of red carpets and ramp shows, we are taking style inspirations from over-the-top media services, says Sujata Assomull, fashion journalist and editor. Author of Iconic Bollywood Costumes, Assomull says reel life has always played a huge role in setting trends. Stylist Rishi Raj says it is a natural progression for the audience in terms of fashion consumption — from Bollywood to K soaps to OTT. Now fashion is being looked at, discussed, given an opinion on.