Bollywood churns out hundreds of films each year. It attracts thousands of aspiring actors and actresses. Surprisingly, it has very few Casting Directors. So where do you start if you want to be a casting director in Bollywood? What's involved and what skills do you need to have to get in? Dawinder Bansal talks to the director of Teamwork Films, Sanjoy Roy, on his fly-by visit to the UK to find out.

Teamwork Films is a multipurpose production house that works in a number of areas such as film, developing new music, theatre, art house cinema, dance and producing Bollywood shows in different parts of the world. They have also worked with the BBC and assisted in the production of the film Monsoon Wedding in 2002.

How did you get into directing?
It happened to me purely by accident. As an actor, I always had a keen interest in theatre. Then in 1983, a couple of TV producers approached me and asked me to direct some stuff. I accepted their offer and since then I've been directing.

What does a casting director do?
Normally a casting director will work for a producer and/or director on a particular production. They are responsible for finding the actors/actresses suited to specific roles, and auditioning them. Ultimately, the final decision is in the hands of the directors and writers.

In all honesty, very few casting directors are used in Bollywood. Performers usually go to straight to the film director and show them a portfolio of their work and then do a screen test (a recorded audition to assess suitability for a role). Then they either get through, or they're eliminated from the process.

Teamwork Films assisted in the casting for Monsoon Wedding. What did that entail?
We acted mainly as consultants to the director. I had previously worked very closely with Mira Nair on many other programmes. She came to us for advice about who to cast for that film. We're located in India and we have a lot of people coming to us to do television, theatre etc.

So we have a vast collection of performers within specific areas and we know their capabilities. Teamwork put people forward for roles within the film. Alice for example, was cast through us.

What do you think about when you're casting for a role?
When I'm casting, I make sure that I know the characters inside out; otherwise I won't know who is going to fit the bill. You have to know everything, you have to be that character and instinctively understand where that character is coming from and its not always easy doing that.

What is the casting process for Bollywood productions? How do you know that you've picked the right person for the job?

Casting is such a strange thing. First you'll go to all the people that you know – all the recognised names and hope to find someone at that stage. If not, then you'll do a broader search, undertake auditions – all of which can take months.

Suddenly, out of the blue, you'll be walking down the street and you'll see someone with the right look and attitude and there you have it. Whether that person can deliver as an actor/actress, is left to the second stage. But it's really instinct that makes you want to take somebody.

What type of person makes a good casting director?
I'd say it's someone who is:

• A great people person
• Goes to see a lot of shows/films/showcases
• Has a huge list of contacts
• Is always meeting people
• Aware of the diverse talent out there
• Is able to spot new talent
• Is approachable and happy to talk to people – if you're not then you could lose out on all the young talent that's coming out."

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