8 Sep 2025 : Actor Naveen Kasturia, widely known for his breakout role in TVF’s Pitchers, has made a candid revelation about his current equation with The Viral Fever (TVF), saying he is no longer friends with the team and had to audition for his role in the hit web series Aspirants.
In a recent interview, Kasturia explained that while his association with TVF began as a collaborative friendship, the professional dynamics have changed over the years. “People often assume I’m a TVF actor, but I am not,” he said. “Just like Alia Bhatt isn’t a Dharma Productions actor even though she has done many films with them, I have worked with TVF, but I’m not tied to them.”
Kasturia revealed that when Aspirants was being cast, he had to go through a formal audition process just like any other actor. “It was not as if the role was handed to me. I auditioned, and I’m glad I got it because Aspirants has been a very special project,” he added.
The actor’s comments shed light on the often-misunderstood relationship between creators and actors in India’s booming OTT industry. While many fans assume that actors like Kasturia are part of an in-house talent pool for production houses like TVF, the reality is more professional and project-based.
Kasturia also spoke about his gratitude towards TVF for giving him opportunities that shaped his career, including Pitchers, which became a cult hit and played a pivotal role in bringing web content into the mainstream. “TVF has been a huge part of my journey, but we don’t hang out anymore. Our relationship is professional, and that’s okay,” he said.
The actor, who has since diversified his portfolio with roles in films like Sulemani Keeda and web shows across platforms such as SonyLIV and Amazon Prime Video, believes that being independent allows him to explore more varied roles without being typecast.
Industry watchers note that Kasturia’s honesty reflects a larger shift in the Indian entertainment industry, where actors are increasingly vocal about professional boundaries and the importance of auditions in landing roles.
Fans have been quick to react on social media, praising the actor for his transparency and his nuanced take on the professional nature of the entertainment business. Many expressed admiration for his humility in going through auditions despite being a well-known name.
With Season 2 of Aspirants receiving positive reviews, Kasturia’s performance continues to resonate with audiences, and his latest remarks have sparked discussions about how actors navigate relationships with production houses in the streaming era.
Summary:
Naveen Kasturia revealed he auditioned for Aspirants despite his long association with TVF, clarifying he is not an “in-house actor” and emphasizing professionalism in India’s evolving OTT industry.