He's arrogant, rude, short-tempered!! Yes, that's what he is known to be. But definitely, he's a Casting Director who has cast for some of the best shows.

Casting Director Gaurav Kaushal loves to accept challenges and take up something unique as his next task on hand… The last time we had interviewed him nearly two years back on Tellychakkar.com, the guy headed the Casting reigns in Filmfarm India. Post that, Gaurav worked on a magnum-opus show for ace film maker Vipul Amrutlal Shah titled Pukaar – Call for the Hero.

In his latest interview, Gaurav talks about his experience working with Vipul Shah, and on his future goals.

You have always taken up very different subjects on TV. How do you choose the show you want to cast for?

I am not a typical casting director. I have always looked for different concepts, and luckily I have got what I have wanted. I usually don’t look for daily soaps, as I don’t want to do them. My aim is always to pick up a show wherein I can cast fresh faces from many states, depending on the kind of characters needed. I always look towards not repeating TV actors. My point of view will be to work with people who listen to me.

Tell us about the experience of working with Vipul A Shah for Pukaar? 

I have never worked on a show as big in magnitude as that of Pukaar. I had the best experience working with Vipul Shah. I simply love working with him, as he’s the best. Our work experience was so clean and clear that he has offered me the next film of his. I am looking forward to taking this association forward. I guess I managed to get a second project from him as he liked my work and taste of work.

Was the experience of Pukaar gratifying and different?             

Yes, it was an awesome experience. Everything was perfect from script to direction. The cast was perfect for the show. We cast a good mix of known and semi-known faces.

Now what’s next for you?

I want to make my film. I am presently working on a short film for which I have taken few known actors. The idea is to feature my short film at the Cannes Film Festival. On TV, I am presently working on Lajwanti for Trilogy Media.

Do you think shows like Pukaar and Lajwanti are stepping stones for you to make it to films?

I consider Lajwanti to be my last show for casting on TV. I am presently working on a script and plan to direct it. I do not want to continue as casting director in TV. I will consider Pukaar and Lajwanti to be two major turning points in my career. Since I casted many Bollywood actors in a TV pattern for Pukaar, it was tough to manage the dates of both TV and Bolly actors on the same date. Firstly, it was tough to convince actors to work on TV platform. In Lajwanti, I have cast many actors from Delhi and Punjab.

What are the ideas for the future?               

I want to direct a movie as early as possible. The planning for it is presently on.

How has the TV industry treated you?

Well, the industry has treated me well. I am not a super star casting director. I am arrogant, rude, short tempered, but have casted for good TV shows.

Tell us about Gaurav Kaushal the person? 

As I said, I am a proper Delhi guy, frank and straight forward.

Last but not the least, you celebrated your birthday recently. What were the goals you set for yourself this birthday.

I am presently writing a book, which is a love story of a casting director. I wish to launch it on 19 November. The book is about a casting director from Delhi, his struggle in the industry, his love life with a lot of masala added to it.

Are you single in life?

Aah, there is a strong buzz that I am dating an actor from the industry. But I would want to tell all that there is nothing like that.

Who is your inspiration in life?  

Vipul Shah has been a great inspiration. My biggest support and friends are Aman and Anup Shrivastav. Of course, I have always got my family’s support.