Pravat Rout, who hails from Bhubaneshwar had dreams of becoming an ace director when he entered the ‘City of Dreams’ in the year 2008. After a few assignments as assistant director, the man switched to casting, a job that he loves and is passionate about.

Today, he finds himself handling the entire casting process of the very popular Optimystix show Crime Patrol, for Sony TV as the Casting Director on board.

In a chit-chat with Tellychakkar.com, the man talks about his journey and his path and goals for the future.

Tell us about your beginning in the industry.              
I joined as Assistant Director and did two shows Pardes Main Mila Koi Apna Sa and Aise Karo Naa Vida. But soon, I wanted to change the line as I felt assistant directors were not treated well. I then joined Endemol India as the Casting Director.

Take us through the shows you have casted for Endemol.                                
I have casted for various episodics of Endemol like Heroes – The Fightback Files, Pyaar Ka The End, Emotional Atyachaar, Encounter and the ongoing show Swim Team. I worked with them for three long years. I have also worked for Saregama and Franklinn’s episodes of Savdhan India.

What does it take for the success of a show?
I feel about 50 percent of the success rate depends on good casting. Who will want to see a show if the actors are not good? Post getting a good ensemble cast, the other 50 percent depends on the good screenplay and story line.

What do you think will sell on TV in the near future?
TV is seeing a trend in many episodic series doing well. Also, the finite series has got its own niche viewers. See for example, the IPL is on, but our shows are getting the TRPs. I don’t think even the ardent cricket buffs are watching only IPL; they switch over to shows on TV too.

You have casted for many episodic shows in your career. What do you prefer – casting for episodics or drama?
Casting for episodics is an experience in itself. I am satisfied when I bring new talent into the limelight. There are so many youngsters who need the right exposure and opportunity, and I believe in bringing young blood into the industry. Also, I like the challenge that is associated with nurturing the new talent. In today’s time, every production house has a show running that is episodic-based. So that shows a lot about its scope.

What are your future plans?
Well, I want to create a boom in casting with my process. I already have a team in place, of 5-6 people. I want to slowly migrate to movie casting too in the days to come. I want to have a detailed and descriptive website that will handle all the casting processes in quick time. I have started work on a web site by name ‘Casting Diary’, and I should have the site up and working in the near future.

Now that you are in charge of Crime Patrol, how do you plan to take it to newer levels? 
As I said earlier, I want to give opportunities to as many talented theatre artistes as possible for the stories of Crime Patrol. In days to come, Crime Patrol will surely get all the more interesting.

What are your expectations from Crime Patrol? 
After donning the Casting Director’s hat for a big TV show like Crime Patrol, I will want to get into movies. I consider this as a stepping stone to movies.