As the casting director of Triangle Films Company, Pankaj Joshi is the man who brings in the finest actors for its shows on television. He is also the one who struggles to find the soul of imaginary characters on paper for the small screen. Wanting to know more about him and his trade, we met Pankaj for an interaction. Excerpts: Tell us something about yourself? Hmm, I started my career way back in the year 2005 and after a little bit of struggle, got into this industry in 2007. I started as an assistant director and then got in touch with Amrish Sharma, the best casting director I know so far. He is the one who has helped me shape my career; as a matter of fact, I believe that whatever I am today is because of him. In all, I have worked for around three and a half years with Amrish and the number of shows I was associated with him were Maayka, Ghar Ki Lakshmi Betiyann, Pawan Sut Veer Bali, Pratigya Season… 2, Lakhon Mein Ek. How has your journey been so far? (pauses) When I came to Mumbai, I was very raw for this industry. Initially, I started as an actor who struggled for roles carrying with me my portfolio and hard copies all the time. But, it didn’t work out that well. Then I assisted a few directors for a small period, but I was not able to concentrate there as well. Finally, when I met Amrish, my life took a great change from where I still continue to cherish my all time dream of working for this television industry. In short, my journey has taught me a lot and I am still learning new things every single day. So far, so good, I believe. How has television evolved in terms of casting? Earlier, casting for television was based on the final verdict of the producers. But today, when you see television, it has evolved a lot in terms of management of a channel or a producer of a show. There are creative people, directors, channel people and supervising producers who are involved in finalizing each and every minute aspect of a show. As far as work load is concerned, it has increased tremendously. At present, channels decide everything; they are the makers of every show, take it from the budget, to actor, to crew members- everything is assigned by them. What are the responsibilities of a casting director? As a casting director, one needs to be very much promising towards the cast they decide and for that, one needs to primarily have a brief idea of the script and its characters. Importantly, they also need to decide about the money involved so that there does not arise any kind of trouble at a later stage. They also need to assure people about the criteria of a particular role assigned, well in advance to avoid confusion. If a lead actor walks off from a particular show, how do you handle the crisis? Firstly, I try and understand their point of view and then work towards it. But at times, certain things don’t fall according to plans; and then we put in our efforts for solutions. Since actors are quite unpredictable, we are always prepared for any kind of trouble. After a show gains popularity or an actor gains a name, it becomes difficult to find an accurate replacement. How much is casting important for any show? For any show two things are most important; first the content and second is its cast. I don’t think any show would be successful without these vital practices. Do TRPs affect casting directors? Not exactly, in terms of work, but if a show does not do well, then producers won’t pay you and in return, you can’t pay the actor. But if everything falls in place, then the flow is good and so is your rapport with actors. Which has been your perfect cast selection so far? My perfect casting so far was for Colors’ Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam. Your favorite show so far? As of now it is Devon Ke Dev Mahadev; it has a perfect cast and a perfect content too. What are your future plans? Well, as of now I am busy working with Triangle Films Company. What advice would you like to give to new aspiring directors? Be honest to yourself and to your profession as well. Always be ready for any crisis if it comes your way. Before accepting any project, be prepared understanding the pros and cons and try to complete it at any cost.