MUMBAI: The television industry is known for its dramatic, romantic, mixed masala, and off-the-hook shows. Did you know how these shows turn out a big hit? One of the major contributions comes from the casting agencies, as they find the perfect match for that most loved character on screen.
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Abhishek Gupta has been a prominent name in the casting universe; he has been the name behind some of your favourite shows.
In an absolutely intriguing chat with TellyChakkar, we asked Abhishek about his take on Reality Shows, his journey in the casting world, mental health, and a lot.
What was the reason behind entering the field of Casting direction? Tell us about your journey and upcoming projects.
Well, I come from Chhatarpur, MP. I have doctors, engineers in my family but I always wanted to do something different and not the conventional that happened. I was decent enough with my studies, I wanted to work in this field be it anything. When my friend introduced me to Casting, it seemed that I have found a purpose, I began working with Prashant sir, the first project I did was Savdhaan India, Ishq Kills, Yeh Hai Aashiqui got me recognition. I even did projects like Ek Vivah Aisa Bhi, Service Wali Bahu. I did a web series U, Me, Aur Ghar. Apart from these I even ventured into Marathi Shows with Mahesh Kothari sir Vithu Mauli.
While I did Partners, working with Johny Lever sir was one of the most memorable moments of my life. Apart from Casting, I was also a part of the Creative team. I did shows like Tera Baap Mera Baap, Yeh Teri Galliyaan, Dwarikadhish, Vish, Daman Mitti Ka. Now, I am coming with Dome of Entertainment's Tere Bina Jiya Jaye Na. When I first got the call from Sanket sir for the show, he has been someone who introduced me to the world of casting, by just knowing the names Mr Mohomad Morani, Anil Jha, Mazhar Nadiyadwala, I couldn't resist the offer. I always wanted to work with Anil Sir and I got the best opportunity. The team is absolutely amazing, all of them are so down to earth. My creative team Mitali Majethia, Deepal Sethia and Tanu Tiwari have been extremely supportive of me. The journey has been interesting till now.
Which casting myths would you like to bust?
Major myths about casting and casting directors have been that actors need contacts to enter the field, there is nothing like that it is all about your talent. You need to have basic knowledge about the industry, how it functions and majorly your family should support you.
There are new kids who are intrigued by the outer glam, but completely unaware of how they function, they get entwined in the money trap where many people ask for an amount to get you to work, they charge you for creating portfolios and the most used word "Compromise", beware of such people. You have come to earn in the industry and not pay. The right track doesn't have these kinds of needs.
It is not always the casting directors’ fault, but "sab pe label lag jaata hai", the newbies often try to put themselves into such phases and because of them, people like us who have been in the industry for a long time end up paying a price. It's not always the casting director, there are a lot of people who are the ones responsible for such myths. I would want to tell people that before talking about me, meet me and get to know me only then talk.
What are your views on Bigg Boss? Did you follow this year’s season?
Honestly, Bigg Boss is my guilty pleasure. I would call it the most entertaining reality show on the TV. The OTT season has been explosive, the contestants have been really good they did put up a good show. I feel that even casting directors should get a break in reality shows majorly like Bigg Boss. If I get an opportunity, I am for sure a bomb that deserves to explode in Bigg Boss. We all have an identity, and the profession is equally respectable. I have often experienced that be it actor be it other professionals from the industry would only approach us when they have work. There isn't any bond or respect between the two entities. In such a phase, I believe recognition through reality shows becomes vital.
Talking about this season, I feel Shamita Shetty could be the winner, but I am in awe of Nishant's game plan. If I were a part of this I would surely be like Nishant, a complete Dhamaka. That would just explode with all the entertainment for the viewers.
Talking about Mental Health, what are your views?
My mantra is to stay positive, and think positive. In the present times when we witnessed such eminent actors like Sushant Singh Rajput, Sidharth Shukla's untimely demise was very shocking. One must stay in touch with their family constantly and keep sharing what is happening rather than keeping it buried. In a city like Mumbai, to have that one friend is also a blessing. If you have it then you must embrace that bond and share. Give yourself the benefit of doubt and not go to the conclusion.
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Indeed, we would love to see Abhishek in Bigg Boss, this bomb shall be a massive explosion.
For more exciting updates, stay tuned to Tellychakkar.com.
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