MUMBAI: Myriad people are responsible for making a show successful, but as actors are the face of the project, they are the ones who mostly take the credit. The crew, who works endlessly behind the camera often remain the unsung heroes.

TellyChakkar.com got in touch with ace casting director Dheeraj Mishra who spoke at length about his journey in the industry.

We asked Dheeraj about how his journey started in the industry. He said, “I came to Mumbai in search of a job. For around six months, I joined a call center. Later, I started internship under Vishal Gupta of Four Lions Pvt. Ltd. I was the Associate Casting Director at that time. After that, I worked for many projects with renowned production houses like Rashmi Sharma Productions, DJs, Peninsula Pictures etc. and it was later that I worked as a freelance co-ordinator.”

We asked him if casting directors are paid well. He responded, “Casting Director's are paid pretty well. However, I chose to take up Freelance co-ordination as it enables a person to be in touch with several production houses. One can be creatively involved. With freelance co-ordination, I believe my talent is completely utilised”.

Ask him if casting directors get recognition, he said, “It takes around two to three months to set up a show and I believe around 90 percent of the hard work prior to the show is done by casting directors. But of course, we don’t receive as much appreciation and recognition. It does upset us, but casting directors are always pumped up to give their 100 percent in their upcoming projects. As they say, the show must go on”.

Way to go, Dheeraj!