Our struggles are only known to us - Casting Director Aryan Vora

When he moved away from home 8 years back, Aryan Vora hardly had any idea that he would land up in the TV industry, casting for some of the best TV shows. All that he knew was that he will somehow make a mark as a noted personality.

Today the guy is happy with the numerous projects he has in his kitty, but still craves for his deserving recognition.

Talking to us for our ‘Behind the Lens’ section’, Aryan bares his heart on his life and struggles.

Tell us about your journey in the industry?      
I moved to Mumbai from Kolkata to join the diamond industry in 2007. I don’t know how the turn of events happened in two years and I found myself working for Cinevistaas as a freelancer. After being associated with them for their shows Dil Dostii Dance, Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai, I started working for other production houses also. I have casted for Confessions, Khushiyon Ki Gullakh Aashi, Suhani Si Ek Ladki, Friends and a lot many episodics.

Freelance or in-house- what works better for casting directors?
Personally for me, I enjoy freelance work as it gives me the freedom to work the way I feel like. Also being a freelancer, you can earn more (laughs). I usually put my assistants and associates as in-house employees, while I work from home.

What do you give preference to - looks or talent?
It completely depends on the channel and production house’s requirements. Usually youth channels prefer looks, but I think talent is always given much more preference overall.

What are the qualities needed to be a casting director?
I think it is very important that casting directors take their job seriously and spend a lot of time briefing the actors about the characters. It not just helps in better performance in the audition phase, but also makes our job easy.

What are the challenges of a casting director in the industry?
It becomes really tough for us to focus on the right face when channels and creatives keep on changing the characters requirements. It only means we have to work from scratch again.

Channels, Production house or actors- who throw tantrums the most?
(Laughs out loud) This is a very difficult question. But personally I have never faced any issue with channels and producers; yes actors do have problems but thankfully I have never got into anything serious.

Do you feel casting directors get their due in the industry?
Not at all. I think in a time when every member of the team gets their name in the credit lists, why not us? It is time when we should also be given our due and be respected by all. We work till late nights, sometimes without any sleep but our struggles are only known to us.

And finally what are your future plans?
To tell you honestly, I was never star struck by this industry but always liked the fact that I would be at a better position than actors. Today I want to make it big in the industry and prove myself. Also I want everyone in the industry to know who Aryan is.

Well wish you luck Aryan!!!