MUMBAI: Being a casting director requires a lot of talent, hard work, and dedication.

Every day, there are billions of people coming to the city of dreams Mumbai to make the best of their careers in the entertainment business. While most of them want to pursue acting, others choose an alternate profession—casting for projects.

TellyChakkar.com got in touch with one of the leading Casting Directors of the industry Kuldeep Singh Chauhan. Read below his interview.

How did you start your journey in the industry? 

Like any other individual, my journey in the industry has not been a cake walk and was filled with struggles in the beginning. After a brief period of struggle, met this amazing casting director named Aditya Surana. He really helped me shape up my career in a span of just a year. He has been a great guidance and I respect him a lot. I worked as an associate with Aditya Surana in Shashi Sumeet Productions. When he realised that I can manage individual casting, he got me placed in Fireworks Productions. Post that my journey took a positive turn, I joined Franklin Productions and did their show Saavdhan India and offers began pouring after that. 

(Also Read: Shashi Sumeet Productions to roll out a show for Sony TV)

Your toughest Casting until now? 

I remember being in a fix while casting for Shiv’s character in Star Plus’ Namah. After powerful performances of Mohit Raina and Tarun Khanna as Lord Shiva, it was quite difficult to find yet another actor who would convincingly play the character of Lord Shiva. After many rejections, auditions and sleepless nights we finally found our Shiva in Vikkas Manaktala. So, yes, casting for mythological shows is a tough nut to crack. 

Do you think Casting Directors get the recognition they deserve in the industry?

Look, it is a Casting Director that fulfils a Director's vision. The beginning of any project starts with casting the apt actors and hence I believe, we play an extremely important role in laying the foundation of the television shows. If a show hits the bull’s eye and gets the success, the producers, writers and the creatives take away the credit and the efforts of a Casting Director is not really recognised as much as it should get. Initially, at least the Casting Directors got their names in the credit list, however, now that also has stopped.

Also, I would like to mention that in certain production houses, the Casting Directors are treated as mere coordinators and our efforts are not recognised as well and also in some production houses, casting directors are not looked up to with the respect that they deserve. It takes a lot of hardwork to find the suitable actor from the pool of artists available in the industry for a particular character. Apart from that, the Casting Director works and invests time and energy on several actors to explain and brief them about their roles. All and all, it’s definitely quite a tiring task but does not get the appreciation that it deserves.

Tip for the budding casting directors.

So, in the industry there are many ‘by-chance casting directors'. They come in the industry to become actors and if things don't materialise, they shift their base to become Casting Directors which I think should not be the case. I would suggest the budding Casting Directors to have a clear vision and goal in their career and follow the same with zest and enthusiasm and things would surely materialise in the industry. One can’t be sailing in two boats at the same time and hence having a clear vision and a firm focus on your goal will get great results. 

Well said, Kuldeep! 

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