Casting careers decoded: Lessons from Heeramandi's Shruti Mahajan
India TodayBecoming a casting director isn’t just about picking the right faces for the screen—it’s about understanding people, seeing beyond the surface, and collaborating to bring stories to life. “I made an unconventional career move and found my way into assisting in a casting cell at one of the bigger production houses in India,” says Shruti. Shruti Mahajan with Sanjay Leela Bhansali THE CORE SKILLS EVERY CASTING DIRECTOR NEEDS Casting direction may lack formal education pathways, but Shruti believes one skill stands out: empathy. LEARNING THE CRAFT WITHOUT BREAKING THE BANK For aspiring casting directors on a budget, Shruti offers practical advice: “The only real budget needed is your sweat equity and passion for movies.” She recommends assisting experienced casting directors to gain hands-on knowledge. “It’s a great way to understand the creative and logistical stages of casting while building a network.” Shruti Mahajan at an audition NAVIGATING NETWORKS AND FINDING YOUR TRIBE Networking is often touted as a key to success, but Shruti sees it differently.
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