Casting Director at Abis Rizvi Films (ARF), Freelance Writer, Talent Manager, Celebrity Manager, Chief Executive Officer of Josh Theatre, Lucknow / Mumbai, Pravin Chandra has a demonstrated history of working in the media production industry. He is also an acting coach for kids and youth and a dialect coach of Hindi, Urdu, Bundelkhandi, Avadhi and so-forth. Here’s an abstract of his interaction with Ishika Sethi.

Ishika Sethi: When and how did you get into the industry?

Pravin Chandra: I started working in theatre almost about 22 years ago before which I used to work in the corporate sector and also did theatre in the evening. But after some time, I quitted my job to do full time theatre because I wanted to do something that would give me fame and recognition. So, I started writing and directing plays. After I shifted to Mumbai, I got an offer to work in the films. Films were something I never thought of doing but when I got an opportunity, I tried my hands on it. I worked in a film named ‘Shudra’ for the first time as a casting director which was released in 2010 and it got a great response post which I thought of continuing working in films. After that I did films such as ‘Ishaqzaade’ and ‘T for Taj Mahal’. Have also worked in several TV shows such as ‘Lal Ishq’ and ‘Crime Alert’ to name a few. And also for web series, among which ‘Rangbaaz’ is the one that I casted recently.

Ishika Sethi: In a new project, do you always know exactly what you are looking for or do sometimes actors change your mind?

Pravin Chandra: Being an actor, writer and director, I already have a picture in my mind of what type of character is needed which includes his body language, physical appearance, looks and gestures, voice etc. But at times some situations arise because of which I’ve to make adjustments sometimes with my thought process and sometimes with the character. It’s not necessary that every time I’m fortunate enough to get a character whose pre-closed image I’ve in my mind.

Ishika Sethi: What are the Dos and Don’ts of auditioning?

Pravin Chandra: Starting with the don’ts, I personally feel that an actor should go for a selective number of auditions and self-assessment is the key feature that every actor should keep in mind. Also, a very important point I’d like to mention here is that in the realm of auditioning, there are a lot of people who demand money from you and assure you work ,but always keep in mind such people weave a trap for you that you fell prey to it. Never ever give money to such people. Moreover, never self-compromise yourself. Now coming to the dos, always read carefully keep in mind the terms and conditions of the agreement. In addition to this, do keep the conversation up-tempo and brief, letting the casting directors and people running the audition drive the conversation. Plus, choose your audition pieces wisely and make bold, interesting, motivated choices. Last thing I’d like to mention is, keep your voice modulated and subtle depending on the need of the role.

Ishika Sethi: Would you like to describe one of your memorable roles that you’ve played?

Pravin Chandra: Once I was directing a play named ‘Khudkhushi’. But a day prior to our show, one of our lead actors had to leave because of some family tragedy. I was so tense that where and how will I get an actor and prepare him in a single day for the final show. Eventually, I myself undertook the role for the final show because being the director I was familiar with the dialogues and scenes. The show went really well and I was appreciated by everyone. That’s the reason why this play named ‘Khudkhushi’ is close to my heart.

Ishika Sethi: Any advice that you would like to give for standing out on screen.

Pravin Chandra: My advice here is that either you try to do the best that you can or try something different than the rest. Also, don’t demotivate yourself after any rejection because rejections always make you stronger. Just work up on your skills and come back with a bang.

Ishika Sethi: Alright. Thank you very much for your time. It was a pleasure to hear from you.