In conversation with Jaswinder Kumar - Assistant Casting Director, Lost Boy Productions!

Fresher's come to Mumbai and get carried away into negative habits loosing focus on their goals, claims Jaswinder Kumar

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Shachi Tapiawala Rathod

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Casting is a vital part of the creative process in any production. To be an actor too, one needs to have the basic knowledge about the technicalities which go into acting. And what's better than associating a production house to hone one's skill? 

A host of Bollywood actors have been assistant to the directors to study the camera techniques to improvise their basics. Following the same path, we have Jaswinder Kumar, Assistant Casting Director of Lost Boy Productions whose primary focus is acting. 

Let's us find out more about his passion and his alternate career option. 

Jaswinder, please elaborate on your journey to Mumbai and in the world of casting...

I belong to Chandigarh. I was always active on the theatrical medium. After completing by graduation in B.Com, I realized that there was much more that I could do with my skill. Keeping this thought in mind, I came to Mumbai. I never had an inclination to do a 9 to 5 job.
 
How did you start off in Mumbai? 

I came to the city of dreams in 2011 and enrolled for a year for a diploma in acting. After completing my course, I tried hard but realized that it was difficult to crack through. It was that time, I read an interview about an established Bollywood star of how he took up assistant direction and that was his stepping stone to what he is today. 

I too made up my mind and with the help of social media I received an opportunity to work with Deepna Kumar, Casting Director of Lost Boy Productions. When I met her, I discovered that she has a history of an employment with Yash Raj Films and I was awestruck!  

Go on... 

Holding my thoughts firm, I got selected at the designation of assisting her. I am currently handling the casting for Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya on Zing. 

So did your dreams to become a fine actor get scrapped?

No, not at all. Thankfully, Deepna Ma'am is very supportive and I do get a chance to act at short intervals in the episodes rolled out in our shows. Apart from that, I do try my luck at projects outside of the production house. In terms of casting too, she always tells me to put in my best and she will take care of the rest. 

Look, surviving in Mumbai is not easy. Financial stability is very important and hence I took up a job. Though I get paid for it, I do not act for money. Playing out the character well is very important for me.  

Shifting focus to casting, please highlight the difficulties you face in this profession.

Initially I faced a lot of problems but I am good at grasping knowledge so things went smoothly. If experienced actors are not convinced with the story, they will not give their nod. Good presentation of story is very essential here. 

Any suggestions for aspirants?  

I would like to tell people who are interested in the field of casting that honestly and commitment to your work is vital. For actors, stay dedicated to what you do. Many fresher's come to Mumbai and get carried away into negative habits loosing focus on their goals.

Well said Jaswinder!

Shachi Tapiawala Rathod

ALSO READ: Shahid Afridi becomes youngest grandpa in the world of cricket; daughter delivers baby boy

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Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya poster

Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya

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Zing

Comments (9)

Love your work for Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya on Zing... will wait to see you as a main lead in a show

8 years ago

best of luck rajeev for ut nest project ;)

11 years ago

Wl be eagerly waiting for the show... all the best rajeev...

11 years ago

bus tmhari jhalak pane ko betab hai rajeev!.!.!.!!...!

11 years ago

U r d best rajeev and u will be bck on tv ... Lots of love

11 years ago

Awesumness...
Very classy contenders...
They shud partner with a GEC...maybe star or sony to air it simultaneously,..

Nat geo wont get any trps...

Super happy to see Rajeev associating with such gr8 shows...Love the concept !!!

11 years ago

nic to c u bck rajeev again on tv. Cant wait...

11 years ago

wow!! Rajeev is back with another interesting show..

11 years ago

Yipee Rajeev back on tv, thats would be awesome and watching him explore places would be terrific

11 years ago

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