Adityoa Suranna who has been part of over 60 projects speaks with SHALINI SAKSENA about the importance of a casting director today

What is the importance of a casting director today?

The kind of content that is being made today and such a huge digital space, there is hunger for the makers and even the channels to come up with different project. They no longer want to be bound — whether it is TV, web or films. Every person is looking to do something new and different or else they will not stand out. Casting directors are not attracted to the actors, they are looking for the character who can play the role in a project. As a casting director, once the hero has been casted, my job then is to look for supporting actors who can fit bill to a T.

In the 60s and 70s we didn’t have casting directors. What has changed?

Back then, limited movies were being made. They were limited production houses. People knew whom to approach and where to go. Today, almost every gali (Mumbai) has a new production house. There is so much work happening. This is the best time for new actors. People are looking for actors who are tailor-made for the role and this is where we step in.

What about your journey in the industry?

I was forced to come to Mumbai. I didn’t know anybody in the industry. But I knew that in order to eat I had to work. I took up a job with a call centre. I knew a person from the industry. He insisted that I work with him. I worked with as an assistant director. This got me a job with a Marathi film which then led to work with a firm that dealt with casting actors. This line was new for me and I enjoyed myself. Now, I have been a casting director for 11 years and love the challenges that come with it.

Is there is a difference when you cast for TV, films or web?

There isn’t much difference when it comes to casting for web or films. Both mediums are looking for saleable faces. TV is totally different since we have time constrain.

What are the things that you keep in mind when casting?

Obviously with the leads, we see how popular the actor is and his fan following. But when it comes to supporting cast, we ensure that the actor is as near to the character as he can get that he has to play. There have been instances where we have ended up with a face that has not fit the bill in a movie but has been perfect for a web project.

When you are working on a commercial project how do ensure that the audience loves the characters and the makers as well?

If the director, producer and channel are on the same page, there won’t be work for us. There is so much work happening. A particular actor who has been zeroed in may not be free. We come in and look for a face who is as close to what they are looking for. When there are disagreements it is my job to convince the stakeholders that the person whom I have got fits the bill.

How does the work come to you?

I have been lucky that I keep getting work . People who have appreciated my inputs on a project refer me to others. I keep getting projects one after the other. I am thankful to God for this and hope he continues to bless me like this forever.