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Aly Goni gears up for digital debut with Boney Kapoor’s Zidd

Popular television actor Aly Goni, who is best remembered for playing Romi Bhalla on Star Plus’ successful show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, is set to foray into digital space with an upcoming web series titled Zidd. Well-known Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor is bankrolling the project, which also stars powerful performer Amit Sadh in the lead role.

On bagging Zidd, Goni says, “This is a huge opportunity. Working in a web series produced by Boney Kapoor is definitely a big thing for me. It is titled Zidd and is directed by Vishal Mangalorkar. It also stars Amit Sadh, who I am very fond of. His work on the web platform has been very well received.”


Talking about how he has been prepping for his role, the actor says, “Zidd has an army backdrop so I am trying hard to lose weight. I am working out, running, and also doing MMA. Looking like an army officer is a big challenge for me. I have waited for a long time, and have let go of many other opportunities because I wanted the right break. My only intention is to act well and also excel, and I can feel that moment is very close to me now.”

A lot of television and film actors have been venturing into digital space lately. Speaking about the trend, Aly says, “I feel the OTT space is best for an actor. You can do a lot of creative stuff on this platform. And I always wanted to do something raw, which would not have been possible in television shows. Majorly for that, I have never played a lead on television. I feel on OTT an actor gets a free hand to perform and that’s what I have always aimed for.”

When asked about bold content on OTT platforms, he says, “If my director wanted and the character needed it, I will do whatever is required. I am a director’s actor and I also do my own improvisations.”

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Inside Netflix’s 50% surge: the regional creators and stories driving Southeast Asia’s global rise

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How Southeast Asian storytelling became one of Netflix’s fastest-growing global pillars

Highlights:

  • Netflix says global viewing of Southeast Asian titles rose almost 50% between 2023 and 2024.
  • Premium VOD revenue in the region reached £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore) last year, with 53.6 million subscriptions.
  • Netflix holds more than half of the region’s total viewing and remains its biggest investor in originals.
  • New rivals, including Max, Viu and Vidio, are forcing sharper competition.
  • Local jobs, training and tourism are increasing as productions expand across the region.

Last year, something shifted in what the world watched. Global viewership of Southeast Asian content on Netflix grew by nearly 50%, and this isn't just a corporate milestone; it’s a signal. Stories from Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila are no longer regional curiosities. They are now part of the global mainstream.

The numbers tell a clear story. Over 100 Southeast Asian titles have now entered Netflix’s Global Top 10 lists. More than 40 of those broke through in 2024 alone. This surge is part of a bigger boom in the region’s own backyard. The total premium video-on-demand market in Southeast Asia saw viewership hit 440 billion minutes in 2024, with revenues up 14% to £1.44 billion (₹15,300 crore). Netflix commands over half of that viewership and 42% of the revenue. They have a clear lead, but the entire market is rising.

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