Before going behind the camera, Amrish Sharma’s sole wish was to become an actor but destiny had something else in store for him. Today, he is the casting director with Triangle Telefilms and there is no looking back for him. Among the many shows that he has handled are Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, Ganesh Leela, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, Maayka, Sawaare Sabke Sapne... Preeto, Devon Ke Dev Mahadev and also for the upcoming show Haatim. Wanting to know more about this man, Tellychakkar.com got into a chat with Amrish for our ‘Behind the Lens’ section. Excerpts… Tell us something about yourself? I came to Mumbai in the year 2000 to chase my dreams of becoming an actor. And I did get an opportunity to act with Nana Patekar in Ab Tak Chhappan and also did cameos in many serials. At that time UTV, that was on a high, approached me to join the company as a casting director. So without thinking twice, I grabbed the opportunity and joined them. There I worked for six months and later joined Hungama where I got to handle around 15 shows. Go on.. Now, here comes the interesting tale. Due to my family pressure I had to quit that job and shift to Delhi. I joined Moksha Films there and got a dual role of a casting and assistant director for a film. But due to some reasons, the particular film could not see the light of the day. Soon after, I came back to Mumbai again and joined Creative Eye and worked there for six and half years. I must say that turned my life completely and here I am working with Triangle Films now for the last six months. Could you brief us about the role of a casting director? Being a casting director is a tough and hectic job. We (casting directors) happen to be the bridge between actors and channels and at times between producer and a channel. Once the script is ready, it is our job to get suitable faces that can fit into respective roles perfectly. Once the casting is done, it is upon the producer and channel to take a final call. What are the things that are required at the time of short listing an actor for any particular role? Obviously, look is the first thing that we see in any actor. Then, that actor should have good acting skills and should fit into the role. After that, there are auditions and lastly, the budget and date part comes into the picture. Have you ever faced an actor’s tantrums? I have faced them a lot. I would not like to name anyone but I think initially an actor tries to be very good, but later starts throwing tantrums. But I am not a person who likes buttering and pampering. I am a very professional and straight forward as a person. Has it ever happened that you have cast your friends when they requested you to? Yes, this happened many times. I always give chance to new comers. If a person is capable enough and can act well; then why not? How do you handle a crisis situation wherein the lead or a character artiste wants to walk out of the project? Now it’s been long that I am in this field; so I kind of share a good rapport with all actors. I think before jumping into any decision, it is always better to talk and sort it out. I think that’s the way these things have to be dealt with. Do TRPs affect casting directors? No, once the casting is done, then it is upon the channel and the production house. Do you have to work round-the-clock too? I work a minimum of 12 hours. Which show has been the best for you in terms of casting? I think it is my previous show Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, where for the first time I launched Yami Gautam; and look where she is now. She is a wonderful actress and doing very well in Bollywood. Your current favourite show? I am looking forward to Colors’ upcoming show Rang Rasiya; the promos are quite interesting and the lead of the show Ashish Sharma is like a brother to me. Your favourite actor and actress that you wish to cast in future? I don’t know about actresses, but I would love to cast Ajay Chaudhary one day in one of my future project; he is a very flamboyant and a decent actor. Any suggestions for the ones who want to get into casting? I would just say that before casting any actor give them a proper character brief. And make them camera friendly. Because if once a channel disapproves an actor they never cast them again.