Casting directors should be given proper credits, equal rights, and importance, like other departments: Vishal Sharma

MUMBAI: The television industry is a crazy world. Audiences often tend to forget the efforts of people who work endlessly on a project behind the camera and only shower appreciation on actors, who are the faces of the shows.

TellyChakkar got in touch with ace casting director Vishal Sharma, who has been in the industry for many years and worked with renowned production houses including Optimystix Entertainment.

Vishal is known in the industry for the brilliant work he has done, but he believes that casting directors across the industry do not receive proper recognition.

In a candid conversation with TellyChakkar, he said, 'No credit is given to casting directors. I have been in the casting field for more than 8 years now, and from my experience, I've seen most of the casting directors do not get credit for the hard work and dedication that they put in. When a show gets approval from the channel, the casting director is the first person on the show before any other department after the producer and the writer. But when the credit list comes up, casting directors are not given credit, whereas other departments are given more importance. I believe the casting director should be given proper credit and equal rights and importance, like the other departments.'

He added, 'When the shows start, casting directors put in their maximum efforts, work 24/7, and conduct more than 100 auditions on a daily basis. Casting directors audition for everything from the main lead to all the one-day cast. The casting team works on the show from the beginning to the end. They work the hardest on any show and yet are being treated as if they are not a part of the show. They are not kept in the loop of what's happening.'

Vishal also believes that several actors have no gratitude towards casting directors. He said, 'Actors also don't give enough credit to casting directors.

When an actor starts pursuing an acting career, the casting director is the first person who gives them a chance in this industry and fulfills their dream. Before fame, most of the actors are very humble to casting directors, and after fame, most of them forget the casting director who gave them the break. Personally, many upcoming actors tell me to give them a chance. They mention that if they succeed, they will be forever grateful for the opportunity given. And to sweeten the pot, some even say that if they ever win an award, they'll thank me on stage but I've never seen that happening.'

We asked Vishal if he has faced any problems in the industry, and he said, 'I have been blessed to work with great producers and directors that appreciate the effort put in by the casting director and the casting team.'

He added, 'There are a limited number of casting directors, and we all are like a family. It hurts me when casting directors are not given credit. I hope people soon realize the importance of casting director.'

Well, TellyChakkar also hopes that they get their due.