MUMBAI: Actor and casting director Ratnesh Mani, who is known for his roles in films like Drishyam, Airlift, and Dishoom, has been effortlessly managing both professions.

In a conversation with TellyChakkar, Ratnesh revealed how he strikes a balance between acting and casting.

He shared, “As a casting director, I am well aware of the industry and have my own contacts. As an actor, there's not much contact with others, but I'm doing both the roles simultaneously. If you're an actor as well as a casting director in the same project, it becomes easy for the producer as well.”

Could you tell us about yourself and your projects?

“I'm from Uttar Pradesh. I came to Bombay in 2012 and was into casting. The first chance that I got in the field of acting was in Kill Dill. I had one scene, and even that was cut, but they did give me credits. I acted in Drishyam and Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2. I got as an opportunity as a casting director for P.O.W. After that, I cast for Bazaar, Abhay 2, and Abhay 3.”

What are you mainly focusing on?

“I'm focusing on acting and exploring new roles in it. I work in casting because I know about it.”

What kind of roles do you wish to play?

“I want to play the role of a villain because you get a lot of exposure and different shades to showcase. In a positive character, you're quite limited.”

How has your journey been?

“The journey is easy for people who are genuinely talented, because the audience will watch you once or twice, but if you're not good, you won't get more roles. Honestly, I had to struggle to get a role as an actor in the beginning. But later on, through casting, I made my own contacts, stayed connected, and got roles accordingly.”

Ratnesh will soon be seen in Shashank Raai’s web series Country Mafia. (Read here:Exclusive: Ratnesh Mani to star in Shashank Raai’s web series Country Mafia)

Keep up the good work, Ratnesh!

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