There is no competition among casting directors - Anurag Chawla, Casting Director

The mythological drama Sankat Mochan Mahabali Hanuman is all set to hit the TV screens on Sony Entertainment Television from next month. And the man who has brought together a stellar cast for this project is Anurag Chawla, who earlier casted for the popular show Doli Armaanon Ki.

Talking to Tellychakkar.com, the talented casting director talks about difficulties getting actors to do mythological shows and also about the competition in the industry.

Have a look....         

How difficult is it casting for mythological shows?
I think it is very difficult as not many actors want to take up such roles. Since mythos require a good command over language, people shy away from it. You can work on historical shows, for that is basic Hindi, but mythos use a lot of Sanskrit and that makes people apprehensive about it. Even if they do, hardly one out of 20 gets selected, so it is a very tough deal.

How excited are you to cast for this show?
It is a successful achievement for me to have got an opportunity to cast this show. I think everyone of us wants growth in life, and this is a step towards it.

Casting directors’ job ends once the show is on air- how true is the fact?
I think it is a very wrong belief. Once you have put up a great cast, you have to bring along actors matching up to their standards throughout the show. You can’t let your built-up dynasty fall, and it is important that you let it grow farther by adding brick after brick.

What do you have to say about competition among casting directors?
Honestly there is no competition. I think it all depends on luck. If the actor or the face you are looking for is free, it is purely a chance; so there is no competition among us (laughs).

So you all are friends?
Completely! I think we all stand together and are always there to help each other. I have people like Pankaj Joshi and Amrish Sharma who are dear friends and also Sahil Ansari, Vikas Jyoti, Harry Parmar and Amano Dhyan who have always stood by me and helped me out. Since most of us also belong to the theatre background, we have the same passion and thus are always on the same page.

We also heard that you wanted to be an actor?
I must correct you, I am an actor. It is sad that people feel they can become actors, for those who are actors are born with the ability. It is just that some don’t get a chance to showcase it, but there is no doubt that we have the skills.

Channel, Producers and actors, how do you manage to handle all?
See, if you know your work you just don’t need to worry. We have our beliefs in our selected actors, and producers should have a belief on us, rest is all sorted.

With so many new actors coming to Mumbai to try their luck, any suggestion on how one should move ahead in career?
Don’t ever feel dejected or sad if you don’t get a chance to be featured soon. As I told you an actor will always be an actor whether people know him or not. Have faith in your skills and yourself and sooner or later you will achieve all that you desire for.

Well said Anurag!