Alankrita Shrivastava’s Bombay Begums boasted skillful writing and mature performances from the principal cast. While each character shone bright, the scene-stealer was Lily, a sharp-tongued former bar dancer who puts up a brave fight for survival every day in the punishing city. Amruta Subhash, whose pitch-perfect act has won her a nomination in the Best Supporting Actor (Female): Series category at the third season of the mid-day and Radio City Hitlist OTT Awards, acknowledges that Lily was a “special role”. “I had done Gully Boy [2019] earlier. No one could imagine me as Lily after [playing a mother in] Gully Boy. I am grateful to Shruti Mahajan [casting director] who said, ‘Let’s audition her at least.’ The character has so much depth. Even when Lily is being manipulative, she is honest. Her honesty made her relatable.”   
 
With Sacred Games 2 (2019), Choked: Paisa Bolta Hai (2020) and Dhamaka on her résumé, Subhash agrees that the OTT boom has been a game-changer for her. “Right now, I am shooting in Delhi. Here, people are addressing me as Lily. 

People in the interiors of the country recognise me now. That’s what OTT has done,” says the National Award winner, who had started her career with Marathi films. “This is the best time for actors who want to do meaningful work. Now, creators place female actors in unique, powerful roles.”