In six years, I have been a part of 600 projects: Dinesh Soi (Casting Director)

As far as casting for shows is concerned, Dinesh Soi is the most wanted man at the moment. He has as many as 10 TV projects and 12 movie projects on his plate. Moreover, other offers are also coming his way. And looking at the kind of work in his kitty, is seems like there is no looking back for this actor-turned casting director. Happy in his own space, Dinesh is trying to give the industry the best of what he can. He also has some interesting plans for it. In a bid to know more about him, we got into a conversation with Dinesh. Excerpts: We’ve heard that you’re the only casting director with maximum number of projects in your kitty at the moment. Tell us a bit about these projects and how you’re handling them? (Smiles) I am handling eight shows of Entertainment Hub at the moment which includes Jeene Ki Tamanna Hai, Kismat Connection, Masakkali, Haunted Nights, Jai Jai Bajrangbali among other upcoming projects. Apart from that, I am also casting for 12 big film banners which include two Punjabi films. I also have two shows of DD1 in my kitty. I have two associates who are my pillars; they manage most of my work. Moreover since I have a good casting sense, I know exactly what the producer wants. I have around 1.5 lakh artistes in my list and I always give my producers the best ten options of which they select the ones they want. Which means that you’ve been into the casting profession for more than a decade now? It’s been six years since I have been in the profession and have been a part of 600 projects during this period. They include commercials, print shoots, daily soaps and films. As a matter of fact, though I have maximum projects from TV at the moment, initially I wasn’t interested in being a part of the television industry at all. Then how did TV happen? TV has too many requirements. Everyday there is a new requirement, like a vegetable vendor or a milkman, which at times gets taxing. Hence I wanted to stay out of it. But when I started working on a few shows, I started enjoying the work. In fact, I got a push when my name, as a casting director of a certain TV show, started getting noticed. Today I am enjoying being a part of several TV shows. How many people work under you? Basically I have eight people in my team of which six handle my film projects while the rest work with me on TV. Is this what you wanted to do all your life? I always wanted to be famous and when I came down to Mumbai I had my events company in Punjab in place. I also took up some modeling work here after which I started acting. My first and last show as an actor was Mann Ki Awaaz Pratigya. I was a part of the show for almost a year. Side-by-side I was also into casting but then people weren’t taking me too seriously because I was acting too. That’s when I gave up on acting and started concentrating on casting completely. So, it wasn’t like I always wanted to cast but I wanted to do something that would get me fame that I have been able to achieve. What’s next for you? My company DS Creations Entertainment Pvt. Ltd is currently working on a portal that will provide information of artistes to all the producers and channels out there. This is our effort for newcomers, to help them stay away from bogus casting co-coordinators and casting couch. We will also put up their audition reels on these portals and even categorise them look wise like cute, bubbly, serious, etc. The work on the portal has begun and it should be ready soon.