Chandan Deo, the man behind casting today’s popular characters in Spice Studios’ Buddha – Rajaon Ka Raja on Zee TV is happy and grateful to the entire team of the magnum-opus show for giving him such a big platform to test his casting credentials. The man who earlier provided a solid foundation through his casting for Devon Ke Dev.. Mahadev gets into a conversation with Tellychakkar.com. Here are the excerpts from the interview with the Casting Director. Tell us about your earlier days in the industry… I started my journey in the TV industry as an EP (Executive Producer) with Balaji Telefilms in shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Kahaani Mahabhaarat Ki, Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil. At Sagar Pictures too, I held the position of EP for a brief period in the show Vikram Aur Betal. Later, I switched over to casting as my health issues did not permit me to continue as EP. With Swastik Pictures, I headed the casting of shows Agle Janam Mohe Bitiya Hi Kijo, Navya, Phulwa, Maan Rahe Tera Pitaah and also kick-started the hunt for faces in Mahabharat. However, Devon Ke Dev.. Mahadev happened to be my first independent project. After this, I got into the show Buddha. Take us through the journey of casting for Buddha? Oh, the journey has been outstanding. When I was looking for my next project, I happened to meet the Creative Producer on Buddha, Ridhwana. B.K. Modi and Ridhwana wanted me as their Casting Director on board Buddha. I have to give all the credit to Ridhwanaji, who has a great casting essence in her. She has been working on every intricate and minute detail from day one, and used to short list options herself. The biggest challenge for us was to find our Buddha. And in a gap of nearly three months, I gave them their Buddha. Actually, we had short listed 3-4 faces to play the character. And it was Ridhwanaji who took keen interest and looked into all details before zeroing in on Himanshu Soni. The biggest achievement for me is that Himanshu got finalized after his very first look test. It has been a fabulous experience working with Spice Studios. Continue… They have given me the creative freedom as well as credit for my work. Earlier, when I was with Mahadev and had cast the very first family for them, they did not have my name in the credits. However, before leaving the esteemed company, I saw to it that they put my name in the credits as Casting Director. However, at Spice Studios, I was given my due credit without even me asking for it once. Also, it is a very big achievement for me that I am with the team of Buddha from start to finish. That was always my dream, and I have accomplished that. I now hope that the production house gets a new show and I stick on to working with them. What are the challenges you face when you are casting for a historical or mythological show? See, it is a tough job to cast for mythos and historicals as the actors chosen should know the language very well. There are many actors who look good on screen, but they fail the moment they speak their dialogues. So it was very essential to get actors with a mix of both. Also, the locations at which such shows are shot are either in the interiors or out of the city. So not many actors would be willing to take up this option. However, Ridhwanaji has been with me throughout the ordeal and has helped me get the best of talents in the show. After a show of the stature of Chanakya, I believe that Buddha is the only show that has been shot on such a big scale. Any person in particular that you will want to thank for being part of Buddha? I have got all the credit for my work here, thanks to Ridhwanaji. She has given me credit at every phase during the making of the show. Even when there is a celebration, she would make it a point to introduce me as the person behind casting actors for the show. Buddha has been a dream come true for Spice Studios, and I am honoured to be a part of their dream. I am thankful to my assistant Yogita who has helped me throughout the journey. Even she has been with me from start to finish. What are your future plans? Well, I will surely want to continue with Spice Studios, and I hope they get a new show very soon. I also have Bollywood aspirations. In fact, Ridhwanaji has promised to help me out in getting my first project in films. Having said this, you never know, if Spice Studios work on their movie, I might as well get a chance to widen my vision from TV to movies.