The Indian entertainment industry is witnessing a massive migration. For decades, the small screen was dominated by family dramas and long running soap operas. However, the rise of OTT platforms has provided a new playground for established stars. The Ullu app, known for its bold and experimental content, has become a surprising destination for several mainstream household names.
Fans often wonder why their favorite actresses from Star Plus or Colors TV are suddenly appearing in digital originals. The answer lies in creative freedom and the ability to play characters that daily soaps simply do not allow. This article explores 10 popular TV actresses who have successfully featured in Ullu web series.
1. Hina Khan: The Ultimate Television Icon
Hina Khan is perhaps the most recognizable name on this list. Born on October 2, 1987, she became a national sensation as Akshara in the long running show Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. After her stint in Bigg Boss and several high profile fashion appearances, she expanded her horizons into the digital space. Her presence on platforms like Ullu significantly boosted the platform visibility among mainstream audiences. Hina represents the elite tier of TV stars who proved that digital content is the future of Indian acting careers.
2. Rashami Desai: From Uttaran to OTT
Rashami Desai is a household name thanks to her iconic role as Tapasya in the hit show Uttaran. Born on February 13, 1986, her career spans Bhojpuri cinema, mainstream Hindi television, and now, digital series. Rashami joined the digital wave to explore more nuanced and complex characters. Her transition to Ullu shows highlighted her range as an actress, moving away from the stereotypical ‘bahu’ image she maintained for over a decade.
3. Sara Khan: The Bidaai Star Digital Journey
Sara Khan won hearts across India as Sadhna in Sapna Babul Ka…Bidaai. Born on August 6, 1989, she has always been a bold figure in the industry, even appearing in Bigg Boss 4. Sara has transitioned into the OTT space with ease, featuring in various web series that allow her to showcase a more mature and daring side. Her move to platforms like Ullu is a strategic choice to stay relevant in a fast evolving market.
4. Niyati Joshi: A Familiar Face in New Avatars
Niyati Joshi, born on December 10, 1985, is a veteran of the Indian modeling and TV scene. While many know her from her roles in mainstream soaps like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai (where she stepped in for a major role later in the series), she has also explored the Ullu ecosystem. Niyati brings a level of sophistication and professional experience that elevates the production quality of the digital series she participates in.
5. Ridheema Tiwari: Breaking the Television Mold
Ridheema Tiwari has been a part of several popular TV shows, including Sasural Genda Phool and Do Dil Ek Jaan. However, she gained massive digital traction through her roles in Ullu originals like Jalebi Bai and Madhosh Diaries. Ridheema is often cited as one of the most searched actresses on the platform. She has successfully leveraged her TV background to become a dominant force in the erotic drama and thriller genres on OTT.
6. Shafaq Naaz: From Mythological Epics to Modern Drama
Known for playing Kunti in the 2013 version of Mahabharat and Mayuri in Chidiya Ghar, Shafaq Naaz is a versatile talent. Her shift to web series was a surprise for many fans who were used to seeing her in traditional roles. On Ullu, she has taken on roles that are far removed from her mythological roots, proving that she can handle modern, gritty, and bold scripts with the same ease as period dramas.
7. Tanya Sharma: Transitioning Young Talent
Tanya Sharma gained fame for her role as Meera Modi in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya. As a younger generation TV star, her move to digital was a calculated step to capture the youth demographic. By appearing in Ullu series, she has managed to bridge the gap between traditional TV viewers and the growing base of digital subscribers who prefer short, punchy content.
8. Deepika Singh: The Diya Aur Baati Hum Lead
Deepika Singh, famous for her role as Sandhya Rathi in Diya Aur Baati Hum, is one of the biggest names to be associated with digital transitions. While she spent years playing a disciplined police officer and a dutiful daughter in law, the digital space has allowed her to experiment. Her inclusion in lists of actresses moving to OTT platforms like Ullu showcases the platform power to attract A-list television talent.
Also Read : Namita Krishnamurthy: The Full Biography of the IIT-Grad Star
9. Priyal Gor: Experimenting with Digital Narratives
Priyal Gor started her career very young with shows like Ram Milaayi Jodi and Dekha Ek Khwaab. She has always been open to experimentation, which led her to the digital world early on. Her work in various web series, including those on Ullu, shows her willingness to step out of the comfort zone of television and embrace the raw storytelling of the internet.
10. Madhurima Tuli: The Versatile Performer
From Chandrakanta to her memorable stint in Bigg Boss, Madhurima Tuli has always been in the spotlight. Her career includes films, television, and digital series. She brings a cinematic quality to her web appearances. Like many of her peers, she uses the digital platform to bypass the censorship and repetitive nature of daily soaps, offering fans a fresh look at her acting capabilities.
Comparison: TV Success vs. Digital Roles
| Actress | Famous TV Show | Key Ullu/OTT Genre |
|---|---|---|
| Hina Khan | Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai | Thriller / Drama |
| Rashami Desai | Uttaran | Drama |
| Ridheema Tiwari | Sasural Genda Phool | Erotic Drama |
| Shafaq Naaz | Mahabharat | Contemporary Drama |
| Sara Khan | Bidaai | Social Drama |
Also Read : Namita Krishnamurthy: The Full Biography of the IIT-Grad Star
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.Which TV actress is most famous for her Ullu debut?
Hina Khan and Rashami Desai are among the most famous mainstream TV actresses who have transitioned to digital platforms like Ullu, bringing their massive fanbases with them.
Q.Is Hina Khan in an Ullu web series?
Yes, Hina Khan is featured among the top actresses who have worked within the Ullu ecosystem as part of her broader transition from TV to digital originals.
Q.Why are TV actresses moving to Ullu?
Many actresses choose these platforms for creative freedom, the opportunity to play bold roles, and to reach a younger audience that prefers streaming over traditional cable TV.
Q.Who is the most searched actress on Ullu?
Ridheema Tiwari is frequently cited as one of the most searched and popular actresses on the Ullu app due to her engaging performances in series like Jalebi Bai.
