From being called the ‘king of reality shows’ after having casted for many seasons of Splitsvilla to casting for few major shows in fiction including the post leap phase of Ek Veer Ki Ardaas Veera and Sadda Haq, Anil Sharma has had a long and fruitful journey as Casting Director in telly land.
With a lot of dreams and vision in his eyes, the man talks of his early days, challenges and success stories in an exclusive conversation with Tellychakkar.com for our Behind The Lens segment.
Excerpts:
How was the phase in your life wherein you were called the ‘King of Reality shows’?
The journey started with Colosceum Media Pvt. Ltd. when my good friend Abhinav Singh called me to cast for Splitsvilla. My casting career started here, and I went on to do all their shows The Perfect Couple, Splitsvilaa Seasons – 3, 4, 5 and 6. That was the phase when I used to get calls from every production house like Miditech India, Endemol India, Wizcraft, Bulldog Media, Saregama, UTV etc. I got called by the name ‘AnilMTV’ and that made me really happy.
I would want to take this opportunity in thanking few people who made this possible for me. Abhinav Singh, Bharat Mittal, Angita Thomas, Raju Rana, Ishita Puri, Sayantani Ghosh, Doris George were indeed responsible for me being called King of Reality Shows.
So after such a good platform in reality, what made you hop into casting for fiction?
I had never thought of doing fiction, but wanted to explore the fiction world too.
Well, the thought stemmed from the fact that if I could handle the pressure of casting for realities, then it would definitely be a cakewalk for me to do daily soaps. So when I got an offer from Beyond Dreams, I took up the challenge to cast for two major shows – the post leap phase in Veera and Sadda Haq. As the year 2014 ends, I can proudly say that I casted for five of their shows this year – Veera, Sadda Haq, Main Naa Bhoolungi and the two upcoming shows Million Dollar Girl on Channel V and a Disney show. I happen to be the most top-rated and highest paid casting director in TV and all this has been possible because of Yash Sir (Patnaik) and Mamta Madam (Patnaik).
Tell us about your Splitsvilla experience…
Splitsvilla has been a great phase for me. It has been very exciting; auditioning in Delhi and Chandigarh and to see people flocking in 1000s to be part of the show are all good memories. The challenge that was on us to find unique faces who could be interesting was enduring.
How do you find casting for fiction shows now?
Life is beautiful, though I never get time to socialise. But working in a fiction atmosphere is interesting, especially with Beyond Dreams. As far as partying goes, Sadda Haq is the #1 on the channel for the past one year. So we have a reason to party every Thursday (smiles).
Give us few names of your Splitsvilla friends...
Everyone is a find starting from Vroom Sharma, Nitin Chauhan, Rishabh Sinha, Paras Chhabra, Rupa Khurana, Vidushi Khanna, Ruby Dahiya, Nitin Sharma, Ashwini Koul, Peenaz Ahmed, Priyanka Chandel, Priyanka Chauhan, Pari Sahani, Parichay Sharma. These are personalities doing well for themselves even after Splitsvilla.
What matters to you more – good looks or acting?
For sure, acting because if you cannot act as per the requirements of the character, it is difficult to cast such actors.
How do you categorize whether an actor is good or bad?
One should understand the depth and thought process of the character and if I see any reaction as per the character, then he/she is a good actor.
How has your journey been with Beyond Dreams?
It has been beautiful and exciting. I have had a gala time with lot of challenges thrown at me, at the same time cutting lot many cakes. I got to cast for five shows, worked with the best creatives in TV and of course with the most cool boss in Yash Sir (Producer Yash Patnaik).
Which according to you has been the most appreciated casting in Veera?
Shivin Narang, Vishal Vashishtha, Farnaz Shetty and Digangana are equally appreciated. The four of them are just perfect for their roles. They are doing really well and I am proud of them. I am happy that because of such good actors, people get to know of my work.
How difficult was it to cast for the post leap after Bhavesh and Harshita became huge hits?
Yes, it was quite difficult as Bhavesh and Harshita became huge hits and people connected with them well. It became a very difficult task for me to cast for the post leap phase. Having said this, Shivin was always in my mind. Thankfully, Crazy Stupid Ishq ended and we got Vishal.
Coming to Sadda Haq, how was it to cast for this unique show?
Sadda Haq is the best show of my casting career; it was independently casted by me. Since I am an engineer I felt the connection in the concept. I wanted to give it the best faces and the best of actors. I think Sadda Haq is having the best casting ever in any channel V show. All of them are superb actors.
What is your ultimate goal?
My ultimate goal is to open my own production house and make reality shows, and also host fashion events.
Do you think Casting Directors on TV are under rated?
Not in my case, but yes I think casting directors are under-rated. I feel the channel should give the name of the casting director in their credits so that people can know whom to approach. There are so many freshers in Mumbai who aspire to be actors, and they struggle to get to the right person for roles. Many innocent people get cheated by people who claim to be in casting. So to solve this problem, the concerned casting people should get credit for their work.
Do you look at casting for films?
Definitely, as I am a master in casting, so why not films!! Films have different value for a casting director; the treatment and money are really good. In films you will get lot of time, and is easier to cast compared to TV where you will have to adhere to channel boundations.
Lastly, any message you want to convey?
Well, I would love to thank few of my friends who have always supported me in every situation. Sahil Ansari, Mahesh Chandra Bhatt, Arun Mitra, Nikhil, Aaditya Surana and Anurag Chawla are few of them.
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