Hailing from Aligarh, Kalpesh Singh, entered the entertainment industry after completing his Masters in Mass Communication. He started his career as an assistant director for a well known production house. Then he went onto work as a director on a few advertisements. This guy, who dreams about being a producer himself, is now working as an assistant casting director of Crime Patrol (Sony TV). He got chatty with us for our Behind the Lens section. Read on:
Tell us about your story..
I belong to a small city in Uttar Pradesh, Aligarh. I have completed my Masters Degree from Aligarh Muslim University. After completing my education, I came to Mumbai in 2009 and joined BAG Films. After that, I worked for few more production houses and finally in April 2011, I joined Crime Patrol. Then I worked for many other production houses, before getting back on Crime Patrol.
Which are the shows that you have worked on?
From 2009, I have worked on many television shows and advertisements. I worked on shows like Bitto (Sahara One), Rakt Sambandh (NDTV Imagine), Gunahon Ka Devta (NDTV Imagine), I Luv My India (SAB TV), Parvarrish (Sony TV), Maryada (Star Plus), and Chhoti Bahu-2 (Zee TV).
Have your family ever objected to your decision of being a part of the entertainment industry?
No, never. They have always been very supportive. I was never very studious and my family knew about it. They never forced me into anything. When they came to know about my interest, they actually encouraged me to pursue my dream. Even my brother and sister-in-law are in the same industry. My brother is in the production team of Halla Bol and my sister-in-law is in the creative team of Pyaar Ka The End. Thus, in 2009 when I completed my education, my brother asked me to come down to Mumbai.
Are there any instances where your friends have approached you to cast them in a role?
Yes, there are many such instances. They request me for a role as they are from my city. But I never fall for that. For me, performance is the most important criteria.
What do you look for in an actor while casting him/her?
Well, for my show, both looks and performances are very important. I prefer those who can perform really well. At the same time, I have to concentrate on their looks as well, just to make sure that their looks suit the character. If I feel that someone’s look is highlighting their character and they need to brush up their acting skills a bit, then I tend to cast them and ask them to work on their performances.
Have you ever faced any problem in this industry?
Yes, I am still a struggler and have faced many problems. One of the major problems that I have faced is regarding my own show. I wanted to make a show, which will be set in the towns and villages of Western UP. But every time I approach someone, they have rejected me. All they want to know is about my past records, even before listening to the concept of my show. I also know that every channel will not be ready to make my show. Only those channels, who are interested to do something new, will be ready to work with me.
Who are your inspirations?
My father has been my only inspiration. Whenever I face any problem I talk to him and he guides me accordingly. I always look for his suggestions. He is the one who has a solution to every problem of mine.
You have been in this industry for a few years now. Do you feel that the there have been any changes in the television industry?
Yes, I think that in past few years there have been lots of changes in the television industry in terms of content, plot and storytelling. Shows like 24 (Colors) and other episodic serials have brought the change. Even if you look at Pakistani serials, these days, they are of twenty five to thirty episodes. I think even in our industry, this type of shows should be made. Many channels are also encouraging such initiatives.
What are your future projects?
Well, I want to set up my own production house. My dream project will be a story based on the lives of the people of Western Uttar Pradesh. Most of the films and shows that have been made so far are mostly located in Eastern part of UP, now I want to make a show where I will portray the place where I belong to, my people, their lives. I am still a struggler and have to work harder to succeed in life.
We hope that your dream comes true soon.
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