Aradhana Sharma on her web show 'Videocam scam,' the rising danger of online sextortation cases & more

Aradhana Sharma, known for her recent appearance in Sony TV's "Barsatein- Mausam Pyaar Ka," is gearing up to captivate audiences once again in the upcoming web show titled 'Videocam Scam.' This show, shedding light on the surge in sextortion cases, aims to raise awareness about the emotional and moral impact of such scams, utilizing video camera techniques and artificial intelligence. In an exclusive conversation with India Forums, Aradhana delved into her role in the show, shared personal experiences, and discussed her bold choices and the subsequent repercussions.

Congratulations for the show. Give us a little more insight into the show and your character?

Videocam Scam' is a captivating series that goes beyond traditional scam narratives. The title itself, 'Videocam Scam,' hints at the exploration of scams that extend beyond financial implications, delving into the emotional repercussions. The storyline intricately weaves together the impact of these scams on individuals, not only jeopardizing their financial stability but also challenging their core values and morality. The incorporation of cutting-edge video camera techniques and artificial intelligence adds a unique and contemporary dimension to the narrative. In the show, I play the role of an unethical hacker. This character is all about chasing money and pulling off scams. But here's the twist – there's a bit of an emotional side to my character, making her different from the rest of the characters.

The show aims to illuminate the rising prevalence of online sextortion cases. As a woman, the constant threat of encountering such situations is a concerning reality. The surge in deep fake videos adds another layer of worry to the mix. Can you share if you've personally experienced or encountered similar challenges?

As we've noticed, there's been a significant increase in sextortion cases lately. A recent example is the unfortunate incident involving Rashmika Mandanna, where her face was morphed, making it a highly dangerous situation. It's essential to highlight that both women and men can become victims of such incidents, leading to a heightened sense of fear among people. Our series aims to raise awareness about these issues, empowering individuals to find the courage to speak up.

While I personally haven't experienced such a situation, I vividly recall a friend of mine going through a similar ordeal when we were younger. The incident was traumatising for us, emphasising the importance of addressing these issues openly and proactively.

Have you or anyone close to you been a victim of cyber bullying of any form? How do you ensure your safety online?

Yes, it's unfortunate, but two of my friends went through similar situations. As I mentioned earlier, one friend faced serious blackmailing when we were much younger. Another family friend had a similar experience when he received a link, clicked on it, and ended up on a call with a woman. Later, his face was manipulated, and he was blackmailed for money. It's a disturbing reality that has indeed happened.

In 2019, during my time on Splitsvilla, I encountered a distressing trend where men sent explicit pictures of their private parts. To prioritize my safety, I've changed my online habits. I no longer regularly share my location on my stories, a practice I used to engage in frequently. Additionally, I make it a point not to share any personal identification numbers (PINs) or one-time passwords (OTPs), and I avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

In 2019, during my time on Splitsvilla, I encountered a distressing trend where men sent explicit pictures of their private parts. To prioritize my safety, I've changed my online habits. I no longer regularly share my location on my stories, a practice I used to engage in frequently. Additionally, I make it a point not to share any personal identification numbers (PINs) or one-time passwords (OTPs), and I avoid clicking on any suspicious links.

- Aradhana Sharma

Videocam Scam will stream on  epic on. The show is produced by - Pavan Malu(Blue drop films), Directed by Vaibhav Khishti and is Writtten by Arpit Vageria.