MUMBAI: The television industry is a crazy world. Audiences often tend to forget the efforts of people who work endlessly on a project behind the lens and only shower appreciation on actors who are the faces of the shows.

TellyChakkar got in touch with award-winning casting director Kush Pandey to know more details about his profession. Having many popular shows like Roop and Sitara in his kitty, Kush is only aiming at becoming bigger and better in his work. Read on for more interesting insights on his journey.

How did casting happen?

To be honest, I came to Mumbai to be an actor and to perform different characters and personalities, which was only possible through acting. I also did act in a few in the start, and the making of it really fascinated me. One of my dear friends, Abhishek Moudgil helped me get into casting, and I started as an assistant casting director. My journey as a casting director began from there 10 years ago, after which I never thought about any other profession. God has been kind to me, as I have collaborated with the best of productions to cast for their shows.

What are some of your previous projects?

I have casted for more than 30 shows. A few of them are Roop for Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, Sitara for Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, Musakaan for Rashmi Sharma Telefilms, and Chandrakanta for Balaji Telefilms.

Which has been your best casting until now?

For a casting director, all the projects that he has casted for are the best. I put equal efforts in all the projects, so to name one amongst many will be unfair. All the shows that I have casted for are close to my heart.

Tell us more about your journey.

In every field one wants to pursue, one has to struggle. To make a place for myself in an industry where there is a bunch of talented people, I really had to pull up my socks and prove myself. In this struggle, my family has been my biggest strength and supported me at every stage. As is said, hard work pays, and it has for me. I have made a place for myself as a casting director.

Do you think casting directors are under paid?

Yes, casting directors are underpaid compared to the efforts that we put in.

It is largely believed that casting directors are not properly acknowledged. What are your views?

Yes, I do agree that casting directors do not get the same acknowledgment as the actors, directors, or production houses get by the audience, as they are not aware about behind the camera work. At the same time, I have been blessed, as the actors and the production houses I have worked for until now give me the credit and respect for my work, which itself becomes an acknowledgement for me.

Your upcoming projects?

There are a few projects in the pipeline for Rashmi Sharma Telefilms. They have interesting concepts, and I am looking forward to casting for them. I would also like to mention that by God’s grace, I have won the Indian Iconic Award 2018 for the best casting director.

A tip for budding casting directors?

I would only like to say that work hard with honesty and the best will come out.