We have seen many coming to Mumbai with a set goal in mind!! But for the 21 years old Abhishek Singh Rajawat, a jolly vacation trip from Gwalior to Mumbai with friends gave him the idea of looking for a livelihood in the city.

From then on started his journey from nowhere to getting a firm footing in the city of dreams. With a degree in mass communication, Abhishek aspired to become an Assistant Director in the TV industry. Today, he holds the position of Casting Head and has under his sleeve, a good experience at a very young age.

In conversation with Tellychakkar.com, Abhishek lets out facts about his life, and journey in Mumbai.

How did you start your journey in Mumbai?

When I came to Mumbai for a jolly trip, I was so much impressed with the city and decided to look for a living here. With nobody to guide me, I got into the industry as an intern working under the Assistant Director for the show Jeannie Aur Juju. I then assisted the Casting Director of Ravi Ojha Productions for a while. Later on, I casted for Savdhan India, Pradhanmantri, pilot of an Epic TV show. I then moved to Rashmi Sharma Productions and was in charge of the leap casting in shows, Sasural Simar Ka and Saathiya. I was also involved in their Sony Pal show. Now I am working as Casting Head for Fulll House Media.

How do you think TV industry treats casting people like you?

Well, the fact is that we are not given the importance that we deserve. And many of the times, others walk away with the credit.

What has been your motto when it comes to being successful in Mumbai?

When I came to Mumbai for the first time, my only thought was that I needed a job to survive. But then with exposure and sensible approach, I have figured out that one needs to be really smart in handling things.

You came into the industry at the age of 21, and now you are the Casting Head at the age of 24. Do people take you seriously?

That’s a good question!! Very true. I have had my own bitter experiences wherein when I have tried contacting actors on phone, they have ended up ignoring my messages after seeing my display picture on whatasapp. The feedback I got was that they never found my words true as I looked very young (smiles). On a serious note, yes it has been a tough task for me to convince actors, especially the senior ones. But I am good at talking, and have managed such situations by convincing them ultimately.

Which has been your best phase in terms of learning?

I have to say that it will be my contributions at Rashmi Sharma Productions. I got to learn a lot out there. At one time, I was handling responsibilities of 3-4 shows on an independent level.

What are your goals for the future?             

My ultimate goal is to set up my own production house and make shows that are convincing to the masses. However, I have lot much to learn, and the process is certainly on. I need to first get in a lot of experience before I think of taking a big plunge.

What do you think is the pre-requisite for being good in casting?

See, the basic requirement for a casting person is the extensive database he/she manages. I believe that if one has a good database, things become easier while casting. Also, success of a casting person depends on how good his/her memory is. When there is a requirement for a certain character, options and names should immediately strike in your head. And that is where the beauty of our work lies.

Talking about the best of friends you have made in the industry, who is that one person?

I must say, Neha Dangwal and I have hit it big time as friends. We both were strugglers when we came in. The only difference is that she wanted to be an actor, and I wanted to do something behind the screen. We have motivated each other, been there and helped when one of us was down. I am glad she’s now being noticed for her work. She is presently part of the show, Tum Hi Ho Bandhu Sakha Tumhi.