Mastram (Mx Player) Webseries Actress And Actor

Mastram (Mx Player) Webseries Actress And Actor

Mastram (Mx Player) Webseries Cast, Review, Wiki, Actors, Story, Trailer & Release date

Web Series Mastram | मस्तराम Deails

Start Date	Apr 30, 2020
Genre	Drama\|Erotic
Season
Running Days
Running Time
Origin Country
Location(s)
Banner	Almighty Motion Picture

MX PLAYER web series Mastram cast(s)

Mastram makers

Mastram Web Series Trailer

Behind the Pages of Erotic Fiction: A Deep Dive into the Cast of MX Player’s ‘Mastram’ Web Series

Released in 2020, the MX Player web series Mastram tapped into a cultural phenomenon by fictionalizing the life of the anonymous and immensely popular 1980s Hindi erotica writer whose books, found hidden in trunks and under pillows across the Hindi heartland, became a secret rite of passage for many. The series tells the story of Rajaram, a simple aspiring writer who turns to erotica—under the pen name Mastram—to find success after his serious literary efforts are repeatedly rejected.

The show’s unique narrative structure, where each episode features a new character or life scenario that inspires one of ‘Mastram’s’ famous erotic stories, necessitated a large ensemble cast. The success of the show—which reportedly garnered over a billion views during its initial run—was not only due to its controversial and popular subject matter but also the performances of its lead actor, well-known mainstream performers, and a diverse group of actresses who brilliantly embodied the characters that become the muses for the fictional author.

Here is a detailed look at the actors and actresses who brought the world of Rajaram and his fictional alter ego, Mastram, to life.

The Protagonist and His Main Support

The core of the series revolves around the struggling writer, his muse, and his closest allies. The main cast expertly balanced the dual lives of the protagonist—the innocent, literary-minded Rajaram and the bold, fictitious Mastram.

Anshuman Jha as Rajaram / Mastram

The titular role of the writer, Rajaram, who adopts the scandalous pseudonym ‘Mastram’ to write commercially successful erotic novels, was played by versatile actor Anshuman Jha.

Career Highlights: Anshuman Jha first gained widespread critical attention for his debut performance in the pioneering 2010 film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD). His portrayal earned him a spot on Rediff’s list of the “Top Ten Bollywood Actors of 2010”.
Post-Mastram Work: Jha is celebrated for choosing unconventional scripts, featuring in critically acclaimed films such as Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain (2018) and the powerful drama No Fathers in Kashmir (2019). More recently, he earned critical acclaim, including a Best Actor Award at the South Asian International Film Festival presented by HBO, for his lead role in the action-thriller Lakadbaggha (2023).

Tara Alisha Berry as Madhu

Tara Alisha Berry plays Madhu, the protagonist Rajaram’s love interest and fiancée. Her character represents the conventional life and genuine love that Rajaram struggles to reconcile with his secret writing career as Mastram.

Career Highlights: Berry is an accomplished actress who has worked across various languages, including Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu cinema. Her notable works include the Telugu-language film 100% Love, the Hindi thriller Love Games (2016) from Vishesh Films, and the Tamil film A1.
Recent Projects: Her recent filmography includes the Netflix mystery-thriller Murder Mubarak (2024), demonstrating her continued presence in mainstream and OTT projects.

The Muses: Actresses Who Defined Each Episode

The unique episodic structure of Mastram means that a rotating cast of actresses play central, inspiring figures—the real-life women from Rajaram’s environment whose stories he transforms into scandalous fiction. This section highlights the prominent female performers who spearheaded each chapter.

Rani Chatterjee as Rani (Episode 2)

Rani Chatterjee plays ‘Rani,’ the first woman who inspires one of Rajaram’s notorious stories. Her role became one of the defining moments of the series, setting the tone for the entire season.

Career Highlights: Rani Chatterjee is one of the most recognized and highest-paid actresses in the Bhojpuri film industry. She made her acting debut in the blockbuster Bhojpuri film Sasura Bada Paisawala (2004), which is one of the highest-grossing films in the industry’s history.
Beyond Cinema: Chatterjee has established herself as a versatile celebrity, having participated in the reality show Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi and other television shows. Her appearance in Mastram marked her significant debut in the Hindi web series space.

Kenisha Awasthi as Miss Rita (Episode 1)

Kenisha Awasthi is instantly recognizable for her role as Miss Rita, the school teacher (or “Master Ji” in the episode title). Her character served as one of the major catalysts in pushing Rajaram toward his new literary path.

Career Highlights: Kenisha Awasthi gained immense popularity through her bold and charismatic portrayal in Mastram. She is also a multifaceted personality, having worked as a model and a social influencer.
Other Works: Following her success in Mastram, she has appeared in web series such as Hasmukh (2020) and Raktanchal (2020) and is also noted for being a TEDx Speaker and a singer.

Aabha Paul as Sarita Nair (Mallu Aunty) (Episode 3)

Aabha Paul portrays Sarita Nair, the ‘Mallu Aunty’ whose real-life romantic escapades become the inspiration for Mastram’s story, “Mallu Aunty Ka Malmal”.

Career Highlights: Paul is known for her fearless choice of roles in the digital space. She first gained international recognition for her role in the controversial English-language film Kamasutra 3D (2013), which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. She is also a familiar face in the bold web series genre, having appeared in popular titles like Gandii Baat (2019) and XXX.

Garima Jain as Abhinetri Indurekha (Episode 7)

Garima Jain played the role of ‘Abhinetri Indurekha,’ the actress who recognizes Rajaram as Mastram and agrees to keep his secret under her own condition. Her character creates a major twist in the story, complicating Rajaram’s personal life.

Career Highlights: Garima Jain has a diverse background, including being a trained Kathak dancer and singer who holds a Guinness World Record for attempting 1000 Kathak rounds in a short period. She has a strong presence in Indian television, known for her roles in popular shows like Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki and mythological series like Mahabharat. She has also appeared in the Bollywood crime thriller Mardaani 2 (2019).

Other Notable Actresses

The episodic nature of the series brought in many other talented actresses, each playing a pivotal, story-inspiring role:

Amrita Das Gupta as Chhoti Bahu (Younger Daughter-in-Law). Mastram served as her debut in the web series domain, and her character dealt with themes of loneliness within a traditional marriage.
Ashmita Jaggi as Inspector Gayatri ‘Geetu’. Jaggi is also a popular name in the digital and TV space, having appeared in the TV show Swim Team, participated in India’s Next Top Model, and starred in the queer-themed web series I Love Us.

The Pillars: Notable Supporting Actors

The series benefited from a strong foundation of talented character actors who supported the main narrative.

Aakash Dabhade as Gopal

Aakash Dabhade played Gopal, Rajaram’s supportive and encouraging friend who nudges him towards writing what the public truly desires. His comedic timing was often praised as a highlight of the cast.

Career Highlights: Dabhade is a seasoned actor known for his versatile roles in major Bollywood films. His filmography includes appearances in blockbusters like 3 Idiots (2009), Ferrari Ki Sawaari (2012), Boss (2013), the horror-comedy blockbuster Stree (2018), and the critically acclaimed drama Article 15 (2019).

Jagat Singh Rawat as Mamaji

Jagat Singh Rawat played Rajaram’s ‘Mamaji’ (Maternal Uncle), whose mischief and traditional mindset contribute to the early conflicts in Rajaram’s personal life.

Career Highlights: Rawat is a veteran actor with a strong foundation in theatre, having trained at the National School of Drama repertory company. He has appeared in several significant Hindi films, including Manjhi – The Mountain Man (2015), Happy Bhag Jayegi (2016), and the Aamir Khan-starrer Laal Singh Chaddha (2022).

The Legacy: Impact, Popularity, and Rights Controversy

The success of Mastram was immediate, demonstrating a massive appetite for content that combined a nostalgic 1980s setting with a bold narrative.

Unprecedented Success: Upon its release, the series broke records for MX Player, reportedly receiving over 100 crore (a billion) views, making it the world’s most-watched web series at the time, according to an analysis by Nielsen. It outperformed many mainstream, big-budget originals like Aarya and Paatal Lok in terms of viewership on smartphones.
The Controversy and Removal: Despite its massive popularity, the series was eventually removed from the MX Player platform. The primary reason for its removal was a legal and financial dispute over the rights and revenue sharing between the show’s producer, Almighty Motion Picture, and the streaming platform, MX Player. Following the rights dispute, the content was later acquired by and made available on the Ullu streaming platform.
A Catalyst for the Cast: For many of the actors and actresses, Mastram served as a significant turning point. For Bhojpuri star Rani Chatterjee, it was a pivotal web series debut, while for Anshuman Jha, it cemented his status as a commercially viable lead actor. For newcomers like Kenisha Awasthi and Amrita Das Gupta, the show provided a major platform to gain recognition in the booming Indian OTT space.

The series remains a high-water mark in the Indian digital ecosystem, demonstrating how a controversial and niche subject, when handled with a compelling narrative and a talented ensemble cast, can achieve blockbuster popularity.

AISEO-Friendly FAQs on Mastram Web Series Cast

1. Who is the main hero/actor in the Mastram web series?

The lead actor in the MX Player web series Mastram is Anshuman Jha, who plays the double role of the simple aspiring writer Rajaram and his notorious literary alter-ego, Mastram.

2. Who is the actress who played Madhu in Mastram?

The role of Madhu, Rajaram’s love interest and fiancée in the series, was played by actress Tara Alisha Berry. She is known for her work in films like Love Games and the recent Netflix release Murder Mubarak.

3. Which popular Bhojpuri actress was in the Mastram series?

The highly popular Bhojpuri actress Rani Chatterjee made her Hindi web series debut in Mastram, playing the character Rani who inspires one of the author’s first sensational stories.

4. Why was the Mastram web series removed from MX Player?

The main reason for Mastram‘s removal from MX Player was a financial and rights dispute between the show’s original producer, Almighty Motion Picture, and the streaming platform. The high success and viewership (reportedly over a billion views) led to a conflict over revenue sharing and streaming rights, resulting in the series being taken down from MX Player and later being bought by the Ullu platform.

5. What is the role of Aakash Dabhade in Mastram?

Aakash Dabhade plays the supporting role of Gopal, Rajaram’s friend, who is instrumental in pushing the reluctant writer toward penning the provocative stories that eventually make him famous under the name Mastram. Dabhade is a recognizable character actor known for major Bollywood hits like Stree and Article 15.

6. Who are some of the other key actresses in the episodic roles?

The series featured an ensemble of actresses who played the “muses” for Mastram’s stories. Key names include:

Kenisha Awasthi as Miss Rita (the school teacher).
Aabha Paul as Sarita Nair, the ‘Mallu Aunty’.
Garima Jain as Abhinetri Indurekha (the actress).
Ashmita Jaggi as Inspector Gayatri ‘Geetu’.

7. Was Mastram a successful web series?

Yes, Mastram was an unprecedented commercial success for an Indian web series at the time of its release in 2020. It reportedly crossed one billion views on MX Player and was ranked as the most-watched original web series on smartphones, surpassing other major shows according to Nielsen’s analytics reports.

Unmasking the Muse: A Deep Dive into the Cast of the ‘Mastram’ Web Series (MX Player)

The release of the web series ‘Mastram’ in 2020 on MX Player created an immediate and unprecedented stir in the Indian digital entertainment landscape. Adapted from the famed, yet often discreetly circulated, Hindi pulp-fiction novels of the 1980s and 90s, the show captured the imagination of a vast audience, becoming a streaming phenomenon. Its success was built not only on the controversial nature of its source material—stories of the quintessential erotic writer, Mastram—but also on the performances of its talented and diverse cast, who brought the secretive world of the fictional author, Rajaram, to life.

From the theatre veteran in the lead role to the prominent faces of Bhojpuri cinema and the emerging stars of the OTT space, the cast of Mastram is a fascinating blend of artists. This article takes an in-depth look at the actors and actresses who were instrumental in turning a pulp fiction legend into a viral web series.

The Master and the Muse: The Lead Actor and Actress

The narrative of Mastram is centered around the aspiring small-town writer, Rajaram, whose traditional literary efforts are rejected, leading him to adopt the pen name ‘Mastram’ to write sensational, erotic fiction based on the women and experiences in his immediate environment.

The Man Behind the Legend: Anshuman Jha as Rajaram (Mastram)

The challenging role of Rajaram—a man who juggles the persona of a conservative, earnest writer with his alter ego, the provocative Mastram—was essayed by Anshuman Jha.

The Character: Rajaram is the protagonist of the series, an aspiring author in the 1980s who finds that the only way to get his work published and become famous is by penning bold, erotic stories under the pseudonym ‘Mastram.’ The series follows his journey of discovery and the intertwining of his real life with the scandalous plots of his fiction.
Notable Career Highlights: Anshuman Jha is a well-regarded Indian actor with a strong foundation in theatre and critically acclaimed films. He is perhaps best known for his breakthrough feature film role in the experimental 2010 movie, Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD), which earned him a spot among Rediff’s “Top Ten Bollywood Actors of 2010.”
Diverse Filmography: Jha’s work extends across diverse genres, reflecting his versatility as an actor. His notable filmography includes:
- Chauranga (2016)
- Mona Darling (2017)
- Angrezi Mein Kehte Hain (2018)
- No Fathers in Kashmir (2019)
- Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele (2021), where he played the lead role of a homosexual man.
Recent Acclaim: More recently, Jha gained further critical praise for his role in the 2023 action-thriller Lakadbaggha, which secured him a Best Actor award at the South Asian International Film Festival. The success of Mastram on MX Player, with reports of over a billion views, highlighted Jha’s ability to anchor a massive digital hit while maintaining a parallel career in independent and artistic cinema.

The Female Lead: Tara Alisha Berry as Madhu

The role of Madhu, Rajaram’s fiancé and later wife, who serves as a grounding reality check and a secret inspiration for Mastram, was portrayed by actress Tara Alisha Berry.

The Character: Madhu represents the traditional, small-town love interest for the protagonist. Her relationship with Rajaram and the comical, yet turbulent, road to their marriage forms a key subplot that contrasts with Mastram’s explicit tales.
Background and Debut: Tara Alisha Berry, born in Mumbai, is an actress who has worked in Hindi, Telugu, and Tamil films. She has an academic background in film production and screenwriting from Chapman University in California. She made her debut in a music video with Shaan, Khudgarzi (2011), and featured in Telugu films like 100% Love.
Key Works in Hindi Cinema: Berry is known for her work with Vishesh Films, particularly her role in the 2016 thriller Love Games, directed by Vikram Bhatt. She also starred in films like The Perfect Girl – Ek Simple Si Love Story (2015) and A1 (2019), demonstrating her presence across different genres. Her role in Mastram (2020) brought her significant recognition in the burgeoning web series domain.

The Actresses Who Defined the Sensational Stories

A significant part of the Mastram web series’ appeal lay in the episodic structure, where each of the ten episodes featured a standalone story penned by Mastram, often inspired by a real-life female character. These roles were played by a host of prominent actresses from the digital and regional film industries.

1. Rani Chatterjee as Rani

Rani Chatterjee played the role of Rani, one of the women who inspires an erotic story in Rajaram’s imagination, titled “Khali bus ka suhana safar.”

Queen of Bhojpuri Cinema: Rani Chatterjee is one of the most popular and highest-paid actresses in the Bhojpuri film industry. Her career in Bhojpuri cinema began with the blockbuster film Sasura Bada Paisawala (2004).
Extensive Filmography: She has starred in numerous successful Bhojpuri movies over two decades, including Devra Bada Satawela, Nagin, and Rani No. 786.
Digital Debut: Mastram marked Rani Chatterjee’s debut in a Hindi web series, leveraging her popularity and on-screen charisma for a wider, pan-Indian OTT audience.

2. Kenisha Awasthi as Miss Rita

Kenisha Awasthi portrayed Miss Rita, a pivotal character who serves as the main character’s Biology teacher and a significant source of inspiration for Mastram’s writings in one of the episodes.

Multifaceted Artist: Beyond acting, Kenisha Awasthi is a model, singer, and TEDx speaker.
Web Series Presence: She gained substantial popularity for her performance as the teacher in Mastram. Her other notable appearances in the web space include the Netflix series Hamsukh and the crime drama series Raktanchal. She has since expanded her work to shows like the Sony LIV series Good Bad Girl.

3. Aabha Paul as Sarita Nair (Mallu Aunty)

Aabha Paul took on the role of Sarita Nair, famously known as “Mallu Aunty,” whose presence inspires a story titled “Mallu aunty ka malmal” for the fictional author.

The Bold Star of OTT: Aabha Paul is known for her bold portrayals in the digital space. She began her career as a model and gained early attention with her role in the controversial film Kamasutra 3D (2013), which was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.
Web Series Focus: She has built a strong presence in the web series domain, featuring prominently in shows like ALT Balaji’s Gandii Baat, Lolita P.G House, and Hai Taubba, prior to and after her role in Mastram.

4. Garima Jain as Abhinetri Indurekha

Garima Jain played the character of Abhinetri Indurekha, an actress who recognizes Rajaram as Mastram and, under a condition, agrees to keep his secret.

TV and Digital Work: Garima Jain is an actress who has worked in both television and web series. She is also known for her work in other OTT content, including series like Gandii Baat and XXX.

5. Nehal Vadoliya as Nanda

Nehal Vadoliya was featured as the character Nanda in the web series, adding to the ensemble cast of women who inadvertently shape Mastram’s literary inspiration.

Web-Only Star: Like many of her co-stars, Nehal Vadoliya’s work is primarily concentrated in the digital entertainment sector, where she has gained recognition for her performances in web content.

The Supporting Pillars: Other Key Actors

While the series is heavily focused on the protagonist and the women who inspire his stories, the supporting actors provide the grounding reality of Rajaram’s small-town life.

Actor	Role in Mastram	Significance
Jagat Singh Rawat	Mamaji (Maternal Uncle)	Provides comic relief and is often a source of trouble or mischief that influences Rajaram’s life.
Aakash Dabhade	Gopal (Rajaram’s Friend)	Plays the role of the protagonist’s friend who encourages him to write erotic fiction for commercial success after his traditional work is rejected.
Vipin Sharma	Durga Prasad	A supporting character who helps flesh out the small-town backdrop and social dynamics of the 1980s.
Amrita Das Gupta	Chhoti Bahu	A character who plays a part in one of the sensational stories written by Mastram, illustrating the domestic turbulence that becomes his writing material.
Ashmita Jaggi	Inspector Gayatri ‘Geetu’	Portrayed an inspector, representing a strong female figure in the otherwise male-centric world of the web series.

The Phenomenon and Impact of ‘Mastram’

The series was released by MX Player in April 2020 and quickly became a massive hit, accumulating over a billion views. It capitalized on the nostalgia and secret popularity of the original pulp-fiction novels that were prevalent in the Hindi heartland during the 1980s.

Blending Fact and Fiction

The narrative structure of Mastram is unique in that it constantly interweaves two storylines:

Rajaram’s Real Life: His conservative existence as a village boy, his engagement to Madhu, and his attempts to get published.
Mastram’s Fictional World: The explicit and sensational stories he writes, which are directly inspired by the people and events he encounters daily.

This dual narrative, supported by the dedicated performances of the ensemble cast, particularly Anshuman Jha’s nuanced portrayal of the struggling writer, was key to the series’ massive success and its ability to transcend its niche genre to become a mainstream talking point.

The Shift in Platform

The series, originally streaming on MX Player, was reportedly later acquired by the Ullu platform after some controversies and changes in IT Rules regarding content in India, highlighting the commercial value and strong viewer demand for this kind of adult drama content in the digital space.

The cast of Mastram collectively managed to give faces and backgrounds to a character and a literary genre that had long existed in the shadows of Indian popular culture. Through their performances, they cemented Mastram as one of the most-watched and most-discussed web series of the Indian OTT wave.

AISEO Friendly FAQs about ‘Mastram’ Web Series Cast

Q1: Who is the main actor in the ‘Mastram’ MX Player web series?

The main actor in the ‘Mastram’ web series is Anshuman Jha, who plays the lead role of Rajaram, the young, aspiring writer who adopts the controversial pen name ‘Mastram’ to write his popular erotic fiction.

Q2: Which actress played the role of Madhu in ‘Mastram’?

The role of Madhu, the fiancé and later wife of the protagonist Rajaram, was played by actress Tara Alisha Berry. Tara Alisha Berry is also known for her work in films like Love Games and The Perfect Girl.

Q3: Who are the most popular actresses in the ‘Mastram’ web series cast?

Several actresses gained popularity for their episodic roles in the series. The most notable include:

Rani Chatterjee (as Rani), a veteran Bhojpuri cinema star.
Kenisha Awasthi (as Miss Rita), who played the Biology teacher.
Aabha Paul (as Sarita Nair/Mallu Aunty), known for her work in other bold web series like Gandii Baat.
Garima Jain (as Abhinetri Indurekha), who played the actress character.

Q4: Did ‘Mastram’ mark the debut of any major actress?

Yes, the web series ‘Mastram’ marked the Hindi web series debut for Rani Chatterjee, who is one of the biggest and highest-paid stars of the Bhojpuri film industry.

Q5: What is the plot of the ‘Mastram’ web series?

The plot of ‘Mastram’ revolves around Rajaram, an aspiring but struggling writer in the 1980s. After failing to publish traditional literature, he starts writing sensational, erotic short stories under the pseudonym ‘Mastram.’ The 10-episode series shows how his real-life encounters with women in his small town directly inspire the plots of his famous, forbidden pulp-fiction novels.

Q6: Where can the ‘Mastram’ web series be watched?

The ‘Mastram’ web series originally premiered on MX Player. Following some content restrictions and controversies, the series was reportedly acquired and is also available on the Ullu platform, an OTT service known for adult-themed content.

Q7: What other famous projects has Anshuman Jha worked on?

Anshuman Jha is famous for his debut film Love Sex Aur Dhokha (LSD) (2010). His other notable works include No Fathers in Kashmir, Hum Bhi Akele Tum Bhi Akele, and the critically acclaimed action-thriller Lakadbaggha (2023).

	Isha Chabbra
	Aabha Paul
	Rani Chatterjee AS Raani
	Anshuman Jha AS Rajaram
	Tara Alisha Berry AS Madhu
	Aakash Dabhade AS Gopal
	Kenisha Awasthi
	Kenisha Awasthi
	Jagat Rawat
	Garima Jain
	Vipin Sharma AS Durga Prasad
	Leena Sharma AS Madhu’s Mother
	Murari Kumar
	Sidharth Bhardwaj
	Tarun Chauhan
	Ghanshyam Garg
	Amrita Das Gupta
	Ashmita Jaggi
	Vivekanand Jha
	Jignesh Joshi
	Harshita Khushwaha
	Vipin Nayyar
	Rajinder Sharma
	Shikha Sinha
	Nehal Vadoliya

	Story Writter	Aryan Sunil
	Akhilesh Jaiswal.	Director