Actor Payal Chengappa is all set to make her web series debut with Jerax, premiering on April 24 on ZEE5. Backed by a reputed banner and rooted in a sci-fi narrative, the series marks a significant shift in both genre and character for the actor.
In a candid conversation with ETimes, Payal opens up about choosing the project, breaking her on-screen image, and navigating the realities of the industry.
‘It wasn’t just one thing… it was everything together’
For Payal, saying yes to Jerax wasn’t a single-moment decision. “Honestly, it was not just one element. I had three major elements. One is the script, it’s a sci-fi genre, which I had never done before, so that was instantly captivating. ” She adds that the production backing played an equally crucial role. “The other highlight was that it’s a Daali production collaborating with Zee5. I was super excited because I always wanted to do a web series for a reputed OTT platform.”
Breaking the ‘girl-next-door’ mould
Known for her lively, relatable roles, Payal admits Jerax pushes her into unfamiliar territory. “I think people often seen me in certain way, like a girl next door who is humorous, fun, loving character. But then this character breaks that completely because she’s messy, immature, and not always likeable.
She doesn’t have life figured out. She doesn’t take love seriously. That’s what makes her real.”
Learning to ‘say more with less’ on OTT
The transition to digital storytelling required a shift in performance style. “OTT taught me that sometimes silence and expressive eyes create a bigger impact than long dialogues.”
A moment of real vulnerability
One particular scene left a deep impact on her as an actor.“There’s a scene where my character is being hit and tortured. During the shoot, I actually got hit accidentally.
In that moment, the line between acting and reality blurred. It made me extremely vulnerable, but it also added a rawness to the performance that you can’t fake.”
Balancing excitement and responsibility
Stepping into the OTT space with a major platform comes with its own pressure. “It’s a mix of gratitude and responsibility. I try not to let the scale overwhelm me and focus on doing justice to the role.”
What should viewers watch out for?
“The unpredictability. Nothing is black and white in this story, especially with Jerax.
There are layers that unfold and I think that’s what will keep viewers hooked,” she reveals.
The struggle to be taken seriously
Despite appreciation for her work, Payal says credibility remains a challenge without big-banner associations. Speaking about it, the actress goes on to say, “Being taken seriously without a doubt. People had seen my work and appreciated it, but when it comes to the opportunities, there is still a certain hesitation. I mean, unless you have worked with a bigger platform or a well-known production, people tend to doubt whether to bring you on board.”
Lessons from rejection and early missteps
The actor reflects on how setbacks shaped her craft and says, “Success feels great, but rejection is what builds you.” She also admits to an early mistake many actors make. She elaborates saying, “One mistake I made early was trying too hard to act instead of just being natural. I felt like I had to constantly perform or present emotion in a certain way. But over time, I realized that the most powerful moments don’t come from acting, they come from truly living the role.”
Reflecting on the idea of struggle and personal growth, Payal Chengappa shares a thoughtful perspective:
“I think struggle is essential to becoming a good actor, but it’s not the struggle itself, it’s how you use those experiences to understand human emotions better. It’s about empathy, not just hardship.” She adds that staying authentic in an industry prone to typecasting is a conscious choice. “I protect my individuality by staying true to my roots and not being afraid to say ‘no’ to typecast roles. I want to keep surprising myself and the audience.” Beyond the arc lights and characters, Payal reveals a quieter, more personal side of herself. “Beyond the roles and the screen, I’m someone who loves quiet moments, is deeply connected to my family, and is constantly curious about the world around me,” she says, signing off on a note that blends introspection with quiet confidence.
