Smriti Khaannaa: Verticals are the future

Having featured in four vertical series, Kesari - Aam Bana Khaas, Mafiya Baap, Akheri OTP and The Second Spark of My Life, Smriti Khaannaa believes the format is only going to grow stronger.

The actress, last seen in the TV show Tere Ishq Mein Ghayal, feels the rise of short-form storytelling is changing viewing habits and opening up new opportunities for actors. She says, “Working in verticals is incredibly exciting. Everyone has to be on their toes because an entire series is wrapped up in just three to four days. The pace is extremely fast, so you have to know your craft well. I genuinely enjoy that energy because it feels fresh and challenging.

Every character is well-written and has a meaningful role to play in the story, so nothing feels wasted. Each project has been a different experience and has helped me grow as an actor.

” Smriti believes the format has only begun to realise its potential. She shares, “I’ve been hearing that several established production houses are planning vertical projects, and many well-known actors are exploring the format. That will naturally lead to bigger budgets and better production quality.

More importantly, the format suits today’s audience. Everyone has a phone in their hand, and an episode is only about two minutes long.

It’s easy to consume and fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles. That’s why I believe verticals are the future.” While she is open to performing bold scenes, she feels they should always be justified by the story. She says, “If the script genuinely demands it, I have no problem with it. For me, it comes down to how a scene is conceived and filmed. If it is essential to the narrative, an actor should perform it. But it should never feel forced or included merely to grab attention. The treatment has to be aesthetic and respectful.”