Meet Janet Ellis Prajapati, Casting Director who launched actors like Ashnoor Kaur, Avika Gor and others

Casting Director and veteran from the industry, Janet Ellis Prajapati shares her expertise with India Forums in a brief chat.

Success of any TV movie, TV show or web-series is often credited to the cast or the producers of the project. We, as an audience often forget to appreciate one of the most important departments which is casting. Hardworking and renowned Casting Director Janet Ellis Prajapati has helped the profession get its long-lost respect and acknowledgement in the industry.

Janet heads her own casting firm called as Janet’s Casting Hub. She states that ‘casting’ happened to her luck by chance as she is an engineer and destiny landed her into the showbiz industry. However, after getting into the industry, Janet made sure to attain new heights of success with her dedication and sheer hard work. She is the person behind the popular cast of shows like Jhansi Ki Rani, Ssh... Koi Hai, Maniben.com, Pinjra Khoobsurti Ka among various others. 

Actors like Ashnoor Kaur, Nirbhay Wadhwa, Avika Gor were discovered by Janet.

Ashnoor Kaur

Speaking about launching popular faces in the industry, Janet said, “I’m a keen observer and I keep observing people around and that’s how I cast Ashnoor in Jhansi Ki Rani as the main lead’s friend. She was my son’s teacher’s daughter".

Avika Gor

“Avika had wonderful hair and that’s what made me cast her for Ssh… Koi Hai”, she added.

In a brief chat with India Forums, Janet said, “I’ve been in the industry for the last 25 years. The journey has been fulfilling but a tough one to be honest. There were obstacles and difficulties, but I didn’t let all of it to affect my growth in the industry”.

We asked the maverick about the most difficult casting that she has done until now, she quipped, “Well, casting for horror shows is the most difficult part, especially when casting for a ghost is required. It’s still feasible to find actors who can play male ghosts, however, female and child actors for playing similar kind of roles gets challenging”.

Janet has also produced a movie which was aired on Cannes Film Festival. She said, “I have ventured into production and have produced a movie titled Silence of Sleep, which received accolades and was aired at the Cannes Film Festival, 2017. I wish to open my own production someday”.

Here’s wishing Janet all the best for her future endeavors.