'Come prepared if you want to be a Casting Director' - Neha Singhania

Neha Singhania is a renowned name in the film and tv business. After a career in Journalism, Neha decided to switch gears to casting for TV shows, and it seems like she made the best decision. It is her vision and approach that has lifted the stature of many shows as well as revived many careers.

After casting for the acclaimed Balika Vadhu on Colors, the talented casting director did cast for some of the most noted shows namely, Saraswatichandra (Star Plus), Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Do, Ek Baar Phir (Star Plus), Gangaa (&TV), Chidiyaghar (SAB TV) along with a host of other shows. 

I had the opportunity of interacting with the talented casting director, and here are the answers:

Q: Do you believe that switching careers is always fruitful?

Neha: It has been fruitful for me. After changing careers from reporting for Zee News and then over to Zoom TV, as part of the programming team. It was a wise decision to take the shift, as I changed from reporting to programming and then over to events, which eventually got me to cast. It has been a good experience, as I got all the name and fame through this.

Q: As a casting director, do you think handling new actors is easy or experienced ones?

Neha: It is easy to handle experienced actors as they know the gamut of functions, and have been around for quite some time. On the other hand, handling new actors is difficult, as they are confused. They are not sure of what they want to do, but they meet a lot of casting directors and then in the midst of all this where they meet multiple people, the decision is made. They are so fascinated with the glitz and glamour of Mumbai and B-Town.

I have given an opportunity to new actors, but with it comes fear because you think of what can happen if the actor doesn't report on time, or backs out from the project after being cast. You need to be careful with new actors, as all come with the intent of being a lead actor, especially girls.

Q: Film industry gives value to casting directors, then what is stopping TV industry?

Neha: It is a good question. I believe that indeed Film casting directors are given value and after a lot of introspect I have come to my conclusion that people earn their own respect. There are so many people in the TV industry and with so many actors coming in randomly, who couldn't get to a good level, they become self-proclaimed casting directors. There is a difference in being a casting director, and calling yourselves casting directors.

Even casting coordinators call themselves casting directors, and if the directors keep giving them value, then there is not really a good value given to TV casting directors. I would urge the directors to value their casting director so that coordinators don't spoil the name of this profession.

Q: Do you think that casting for tv is difficult compared to films, as a lot of focus is provided to lead and first lead roles?

Neha: There are a lot of parameters that come into consideration while casting for a show because you have characters, like primary, secondary and others. Casting for films is easier because you have a hero, heroine and a villain. This difference of giving value to lead is always there, on the other hand, the budget is less in TV because a lot of money is paid to movie actors, while on TV it is on per day basis. Also, there are various interferences in TV, including channel, as well as others.

So casting for TV is always difficult. There are creative differences as well as other challenges like the commitment of the actor, considering the time frame for the show is volatile. We need to travel to various places including institutes, as well as others to find the right lead as a lot of new faces are launched. This process is time-taking and challenges the casting director.

It takes three to six months to start the show, so a lot of eyes watch your work and everyone including channel and the producer and director look into your work. As a team, we can perform well, like when I started casting for Mere Sai, the casting was already there for the last 1 year, but no fit actor could be found. I completed the casting in a month and a half.

Vision is important and focus will help you, like when I did start the casting, I was given references from people about who played Sai previously, and how they conceive the actor for the role. My research helped me formulate the right actor quickly, and that is why with 25 auditions I could get the right actor.

My 5 choices for the casting for any character were received with enthusiasm by the channel, and that was one of many accolades that I had received in the past.

Q: With your inputs in a previous interview, do you think that the tv casting industry is still male dominated?

Neha: Every industry has male and female employees, and with the talent alone you can make it or break it. You need to be sure of the work at hand, and with the talent of understanding my characters, I can definitely leave my mark. Discrimination based on gender is not really a thing.

Q: If the answer is a yes, why do we have a scarcity of female casting directors?

Neha: My answer was no, but yes we do have a scarcity of female casting directors. The taboo of being involved in a casting couch is one reason. We as casting directors deserve respect. We have our own importance, and while we don't get our name in the credits, or a category in the award functions.

I had mentioned in a previous interview, that Casting Director is one of the four pillars, and we should get our due respect. Every department has its own value, and none of them are higher than the other. Casteism in terms of the functions shouldn't happen, and we shouldn't give others liberty.

Q: With the change in audience viewing, do you think Web Series will be the next big thing, and TV may see a hit?

Neha: The TV has nothing to worry due to the emergence of web series. Although Web Series is a new and booming thing and the content is appreciative of it, not all will appreciate it. Parents will put restrictions on the children viewing habits.

Sacred Games or Gandi Baat can't go on for long, so if the Web Series companies come with new and engaging content pertaining to Indian mindset, then and then alone will this medium be effective.

Q: What are your upcoming projects?

Neha: I have a movie lined up, titled 'Gone Case' which will be released this year. Along with this, I have a web series where I am in the position of casting and creative head titled 'Title Role.' Along with these, I have 3 more projects for which the information will be revealed at the right time.

Q: Do you have an advice for people (especially females) planning to be a casting director?

Neha: I don’t really have any advice for anyone, except for the fact that when you come into this field of work, come prepared. You have to be ready for any dire condition, and like any work, this also requires professionalism and commitment to work.*

*Interview Transcript based on the voice notes.

Written by: Amit Shukla