EXCLUSIVE! Casting director Piyush Pandey talks about the casting process and his experience; says, “Acting is more important than looking like the part you’re playing.”

MUMBAI :Piyush Pandey is a renowned casting director and has cast amazing talents for various projects over some time. Some of his projects include popular TV shows like Beyhadh, Dil Dosti Dance, Dilli Wali Thakur Girls, and many more.

His latest work was for ZeeTV’s upcoming show Rabb Se hai Dua. 

Tellychakkar recently got in touch with the casting director and got to know interesting insights.

What shows have you cast for till now?

“I have been into casting for more than 7 years now. I started with Shakuntalam telefilms as an intern. Then I moved on to work at Cinevistaas Limited as an Associate Casting Director. I cast for a lot of shows during my time there, Ek Hasina Thi, Dil Dosti dance, Zindagi Wins, Dilli Wali Thakur Girls, and Beyhadh to name a few. I have also cast for the show Icchapyaari Naagin.”

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE! Nishigandha Wad bags Zee TV's Rabb Se Hai Dua

What is your process like or your criteria before you finalize an actor for a role?

“The first thing I see is if the artist fits the character brief we have received. By fit, I mean the actor should look according to the brief that has been described to us. After that, we take auditions to see if the person can act and how capable he or she is. Acting is more important than looking at the part you’re playing. If you cannot act then there is no use in looking as per the role.” 

The channel usually has names of actors pre-decided for a show that they want. If you find other actors better, how do you decide between the two?

“We audition both, the one channel has recommended as well as the one we feel is fit. We later send both of them further. In the end, the final call remains with the channel.  We try to do the best of our capabilities to find the actor who fits the role the best. We have a certain responsibility and accountability because if the actor creates an issue, it will come upon us how we cast such a person.”

ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE! Melanie Nazareth bags Zee TV's Rabb Se Hai Dua

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