Casting is finding the talent in an actor - Sanil Kshirsagar, Casting Director, Balaji Telefilms.
"They create dreams that we can't even imagine dreaming," - Steven Spielberg on casting directors.
Published: Monday,Jul 25, 2016 13:52 PM GMT-06:00
"They create dreams that we can't even imagine dreaming," - Steven Spielberg on casting directors.
Television shows and films are something like a perfect meal in a five-star restaurant. The crew prepares the meal under the supervision of the director, the actors present the meal inorder to walk their way to winning accolades. However, what nobody pays attention to is the men striving hard in the pantry! The unacknowledged bunch of people who make way for the cast, crew and the entire unit to reach the pinnacle of success - The casting Directors.
In conversation with the Casting Director at Balaji Telefilms, Sanil Kshirsagar gives some insight into the world of casting faces for the big ticket shows.
Sanil, please tell us what made you opt to be in this profession?
Well, I used to work for a corporate organisation earlier. I wanted to startup something of my own and hence opened up a business totally unrelated to the casting or acting industry until I met a producer with whom I ideated and offered to cast for his Marathi film. Thereafter, I liked what I did and decided to grow more in this profession.
What is it like being a Casting Director according to you?
Casting according to me is finding the talent in an actor. We come across many actors and aspirants but which character will the actor be able to justify perfectly is casting.
Please brief us about your journey in this industry...
When I was planning to start off, I was a layman. I came across a few coordinators who did not help me in learning or exploring this field. But then I started approaching actors by holding meetings in a coffee shop until I started my first office in Goregaon, Mumbai.
Do you see yourself in this field after 5 years?
Well, not really. I have a few supportive colleagues who can take care of this aspect. I see myself producing a serial or a film.
The acting industry helps actors achieve fame, money, and success. But what are the cons the industry has to offer?
The first and foremost con about this industry is that the innocent aspirants are fooled. This does not happen at the bigger level involving esteemed production houses but definitely at the smaller level.
How is it like working with Balaji Telefilms?
It's overwhelming. Working for Balaji Telefilms is to be available 24 hours as we are constantly casting for 14 to 15 shows at a time. There are difficulties especially when the show is planning a leap or in the hunt for a continuity face.
It sounds like a difficult job!
No, it isn't. Casting requires one to be smart not very hardworking. Some actors come to this industry thinking that if they may not be able to make it big as an actor, they will opt to join casting. But it is not a layman's job. It takes efforts to understand the character requirement and if a casting director has got that right, it is an easy process. Understanding the character requirement, well, is an essential part of casting.
Any message you want to give to the newcomers in the industry?
All I want to say is that the acting industry is very good on the whole so please do not indulge in malpractices.
Well said Sanil! All the newcomers out there, he is surely someone you should look up to!
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