American film director, producer, and screenwriter Barry Jenkins once mentioned, “To me, no 
matter who you’re casting for what role, if something’s authentic, usually, you can mine something good there.” Nobody knew that one day these lines become a part of the process of the entertainment industry and will define the role of many professionals. For Nikita Grover, a casting director and actress, who was last seen in Paatal Lok, it is a process that is as important as the script and screenplay because one mistake in terms of visualizing the character can spoil the entire storyline. And, if the casting goes wrong, it can spoil the entire project. Balancing her passion for the role of a casting professional and actress for the series that is running successfully on Amazon Prime Video, Nikita Grover talks about her journey and the trend of web series.
Pataal Lok has been a smashing hit. How was your experience?
In respect of both casting and acting, what a journey it was what a show it is. When you work on a project, you give your massive efforts and working hours. They all become special in one or the other way. But this one will always be one of the best projects I’ve been associated with, be it the script, team, or the totally unexpected love I received from the team and the viewers. It is going to be a lifetime memory.
Manju ji has got smashing love from the audience. How did you prepare for the role?
I would say, it was majorly all self-exploration. To be specific about my relationship with the character, I think that there might not be a Nikita in Manju, but there’s definitely a lot of Manju in Nikita. After the release, a lot of people called and said that at some point they have already witnessed Manju in me (laughs). I can’t agree more to them because some basic character, language, and behavioral study were truly relatable to both the real and reel characters. But honestly, I never thought that Manju Verma will have a chair of her own! But kya fayda, bartan toh aaj bhi mai hi maanj rahi hun, thanks to lockdown. (laughs)
As an actor and casting director, what is your take on web series and short films?
As a part of both, I feel privileged that I get to work for the mediums that have similar motives- entertainment and information. They both have their own pros and cons. From viewers’ perspective, I feel web series and films calls for proper planning, as they involve a longer duration in term of watching. Whereas short films, as the name suggests are less time consuming, and one can watch it on way to work, trip or even during leisure time. From other side of the spectrum, they both consume a good amount of time, from characterization to developing the plot and then conveying the message.
Casting is an integral part of a project. Tell us more about your casting experience.
Actually, not only casting but majorly all the departments are equally important to pull a project right. For me, 2013 was the year when I landed on my first project (Dhishoom), and from then, till now I have been associated with many projects which have become milestones of the entertainment industry. Talking about Paatal Lok, it wasn’t a project, it was a journey. From briefing to scene design, traveling to various states/cities/ villages for research, everything was on the edge. Overall we had 275 characters to cast (including non-speaking characters).
When you see a show, you only see IT as a story but when you cast it, it’s like putting up a puzzle together. You have to look for every actor through your character. And it takes a lot of patience for the casting team, actors and makers to understand what is needed and delivering it on the screen. So yes, for me it’s like putting together all the pieces. And I hope we managed to touch the expectations upright.
What’s your take on the controversy that the casting team needs to be good actors too?
What you count as the controversy is actually lack of knowledge, understanding, and faith in the process. Plus it’s generally the first reaction to a scene, which attracts a lot of attention for different reasons. We are like a bridge, contributing to reduce the gap between an actor and a director. It’s not a compulsion to be a good actor or even an actor for that matter. But one should definitely have an eye to spot the actor blending in the said character. Also, having a good knowledge of the craft is a plus. It helps you grow faster and be a lot more pro in your work.
Web series gives a lot of newcomers the much-awaited chance. Is this also a new medium for potential casting agencies?
Web series are nothing new; they have been there for a while. But yes, you can say with the hashtag and tagging culture, it has become a cult and people are now connecting even more. I believe any platform or any medium is an opportunity for both casting agencies and actors. And casting agencies have made it a bit more organized even for the direction and production teams. So yes it’s a win-win situation for all.
And finally, when and where do we see Nikita Grover again on screen?
Just video call me! Tadddaa, I will be on your screen. I think it will be too early to say ”sooooon”. Honestly, even I am trying to learn more about this question as of now.
Nikita Grover for TMM
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