From theatre to casting for some of the best shows on television, casting director Sanjay Chouhan has come a long way in the television industry. He is the man to select every new faces that has been added to the long running popular show Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah from past two years. Aspiring actor, who became casting director, has an interesting tale to share.

Here is the man, in conversation with Tellychakkar.com for ‘Behind the Lens’ segment.

How did your journey begin in this industry?

Hailing from Indore I was always interested in acting and have been associated with theatre for more than eight years now and till now I am a part of a group called ‘Theatre Wala’. I did around seven hundred street plays in Ahmedabad and even appeared for television shows like Sai Baba and Prithviraj Chauhan. After that I started casting for shows. Initially I started with casting for short films then gradually moved on to television.

Why did you choose casting over acting?

When I came to Mumbai, it was initially a difficult phase for me to continue with my living. At that time I started working as a casting guy as a professional and started loving the profession. And being from theatre background was an added advantage for me as I believe theatre gives one an in-depth sight of the situation, which is very much needed for casting. It is not that I am no more into acting, I am still very much part of it, but at the same time I am also doing casting.

What are the different shows you have been associated with?

I have worked with Endemol and during that time I was casting for the promos of Bigg Boss. After that I have done episodic like Savdhaan India, Emotional Atyachar and also a Canadian Film. Post that I joined Neela Telefilms and have cast for a show called, A For English, which unfortunately was scrapped later on. Then I handled casting for Wah Wah Kya Baat Hain and finally for TMKOC.

Since TMKOC is a popular show is it an added pressure to cast for any new character for the daily?

Of course, it is. TMKOC is an immensely popular show and all the actors associated with it are exceptionally talented. Even a minor character in the series can change the entire plot of the daily hence I have to be very careful while selecting a new character. Moreover, I have to keep in mind that new actors should be able to match up to the level of the old ones in the show.

Do you believe in launching new faces?

Yes, I believe in launching new faces as new actors should be given opportunity. Before casting new faces I chat with them for long time and make them feel comfortable. Once comfortable an actor can always give his best performance. Moreover, it helps me to understand the actor as well.

Do you follow any particular patter at work?

There is no concrete formula for casting; one just needs to have the understanding of selecting an actor for the particular character. But, before that I have to talk to the creative, director and writer to get the brief and in depth understanding of the character. Especially for Taarak Mehta, Asit (Modi) ji sometimes briefs me himself so that we can properly get the character sketches.

Who is your inspiration?

I really look up to Mukesh Chhabra, who has cast for Bollywood films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Chennai Express, Highway and many others. I even tried to work under him but at that point of time there was no vacancy. The way he chooses a character is really inspiring and I wish someday will be able to work with him.

How do you visualize your future?

I am an actor and will continue to do that for sure. At the same time I will not leave casting. And I am also fond of direction, so, hope that will be able to become a director as well.

We wish the talented man all the best.