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Success audition tips for Bollywood

Do You Know What Casting Directors Want From You?

Ever had an audition for a Bollywood film or a TV serial? If yes, then you knew you did pretty well? The one in which you were sure you nailed the role? All you had to do was wait for the call from the casting director confirming you have been selected.. But the call never came and you were left wondering what the heck went wrong?
I mean, you're a fantastic actor! Rather than leave you wondering what these crazy casting directors want, I had been consulting a few on-camera casting directors, took their opinion and based on my own experience as a character actor, here are the top things you MUST remember for your next on-camera audition!

1. Don't worry too much about remembering lines

No need to get tensed if you have not been able to memorize all your lines in that freaking short time! Casting directors don't care really much about that. What they expect is that you show the personality and behavior of the character. They know that the actor isn't going to be able to memorize the lines for an audition as he/she got the lines at the waiting room may be 10 to 20 minutes back.

2. May ask questions -- but only relevant and if you really need to

Sometimes, good casting directors may ask if you have any questions, it's only to help you get clarity if there's something in the script lines (sides) that's confusing. Very often the best auditions come from actors who just say 'no sir� and just perform.
Don�t ask silly questions like �kya mujhe role milega? (Am I going to be selected)?� � Sir, aap se mujhe kab call mile ga? (When I will get a call from you�) or �I�m new and this is my first audition. Can you guide how should I do it?� etc.

3. Listen and react

"The camera loves to watch you listen." says a top cinematographer cum director. If at audition, there is a co-actor or a reader (some assistant) for the other character, you make the other person important, even if the reader isn't giving you back much. Don't be blank when the other guy is speaking the lines. The casting directors like to see the actor listen, think and respond

4. Be the best right the first time

You're not coming to an on-camera audition to get coached by a teacher. Come prepared (know who your character is, what you want, etc.). The guys in charge of the audition should not think maybe next time. They should think that they just saw your best the first time you did it. Don't be a next time actor."

5. Offer options, if asked

This means, you must be prepared to offer the options of portraying a character. Casting directors love an actor that can take direction well. They are going to throw things at you to see how skilled you are. For example, they may ask you to play a character in a different way, improvise a scene, speak faster or slower, say again with a different meaning, soften exaggerated gesture etc. You must be flexible to respond instantly.

6. Know what you look like on camera monitor

Camera acting skills always impresses casting directors. They like someone who knows how to do what they need to do with the camera on them.
Learn how to position your body and face so the best parts are seen in the right way and at the most important times. Practice a lot with your acting coach or do it on your mobile camera with the help of a friend and find out what everyone else sees. And just be critical.

7. Know where to look

Have you observed this?
When you are watching a television serial or a film the actors playing the characters are not looking into a camera (means not looking at viewers!). Don�t look at the camera lens unless ask so. Maintain your eye lines. Look either at your partner-actor or reader or a few inches away from the camera. Let your eyes wander -- a little bit. Just don't look down. Lots of us look down to think.

8. You're a person first, actor second

People don't select actors. They hire people who can act. When it's a close competition-- and it often is -- sometimes hiring decisions have to do with the person as much as the performance.
So what does that mean? Personality. Personality. Personality.

Some more truth about auditions

Don't be surprised if there isn't a
Be nice to everyone -- the receptionist might be the casting director's sister. The director might look like an assistant.
Never complain about any issue
Never apologize -- we don't care if you're sorry you did a bad.
Never blame -- the person that didn't give you the script ahead of time might be the person hiring you, or a transport being late, was not well or had a late night etc.
Don't try to talk intimately with any one or cozily or gossip -- they hate that!
Don't look at them like they are about to put you in jail or going to perform a life threatening surgery -- they're nice people.
Be professional -- after all, it is a job interview.

Based on

Don't Frustrate Casting Directors and Ruin Career | Give 8 Things

Clockwise: Shanoo Sharma, Atul Mongia, Shruti Mahajan, Mukesh Chhabra, Honey Trehan, Vicky Sidana, Nandini Shrikent

Email contact at the bottom

Wanna Make Your Bollywood Dreams Come True?

They are known as casting directors or star makers who are responsible for selecting or short listing actors for specific characters from the script of a film, TV serial or commercial ad.
Now a day, these guys are highly talented and play a significant role in the film making process by helping to identify good actors with whom largely depends the success of a film, a serial or a commercial ad. New successful actors like Ranveer Singh and Parineeti Chopra vouch for the vision and talent of these casting directors.

What to Expect?

When you're called in for an acting audition, the people present at the audition will include you, the casting director, and maybe a handful of other complete strangers. Some of these other people may be the producer, a camera operator (if they're taping the auditions), the casting director's bored friend or relative, a representative from the advertiser (in the case of a commercial audition), or a dance choreographer or musical director (in the case of a musical).

By the time it's your turn to audition, the casting director has probably seen hundreds of other people ahead of you, which means the casting director and anyone else in the room is likely to be tired, bored, and irritable. Make the director's job easy and you increase your chances of having a successful audition. Make the job harder (by not being ready, talking too much, and so on) and you may seriously kill any chances of getting any role.

Take care! Top 3 Tips!

1. Memorize your line perfectly

To an extent that you don't have to think about lines anymore.

2. Mind your auditioning manners

A lack of courtesy shows disrespect, no matter where you are in life
Never touch the casting director or any of his or her possessions, such as the notepad, laptop computer, food, and such. Doing so is rude and definitely works against you.

3. How to enter and exit

Enter smiling. Mildly nod or wish elegantly
Complete your performance, wait for about half or a minute, listen if they give any comment or instructions, nod smilingly, thank them and leave elegantly.
Well, this is in a nutshell.

Here are 7 of the top most casting directors of Bollywood who have become a celebrity in their own right with their right actor pick up ability:

1. Shanoo Sharma

Star finds: Ranveer Singh, Parineeti Chopra, Arjun Kapoor, Swara Bhaskar, Bhumi Pednekar

Arguably the biggest name in the casting circuit of Bollywood, Shanoo Sharma is the casting director of Yash Raj Films and has blockbusters like Dhoom 3, Jab Tak Hai Jaan,Ek Tha Tiger, My Name is Khan, Band Baja Baaraat etc to her credit. Sharma's big break came in the form of Karan Johar's 2009 thriller Kurbaan which got her noticed after she handled a celebrity star cast beautifully.
A decade into the business, Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor are considered to be her biggest draws and the young stars have publicly gone on record to say that they owe their careers to Shanoo!
Contact details: casting@yashrajfilms.com
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/Shanoo-YRFcasting-201876266557914

2. Atul Mongia

It was his interest in film making that eventually helped Mongia cast and deal with actors better. Post his teaching stint at the renowned Barry John School of Acting in New Delhi, Atul moved to Mumbai and got busy training actors for Dibakar Banerjee's relatively fresh cast in Love Sex Aur Dhoka.And that's how he was handed over the responsibility of finding actors for films.
Contact details: atulcasting@gmail.com
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/atul.mongia.1

3. Shruti Mahajan

Chakravyuh, Ram Leela, Mary Kom and Finding Fanny are some noted milestones in Shruti's portfolio as a casting director which have sealed her career in the big league. And with plum upcoming projects like Bajirao Mastani, Gangajaal 2 and AR Murugadoss's next, the future looks promising for this girl.
Contact details: shrutimcasting@gmail.com
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/shruti.mahajan.5855

4. Mukesh Chhabra

Star finds: Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput and Amit Sadh

A casting director by a stroke of luck, Mukesh Chhabra, also lovingly known as Casting Chhabra, is another name deeply respected in the industry. His journey, which began accidentally by casually helping Vishal Bhardwaj cast kids, saw him eventually launch big names like Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput and Amit Sadh.
Chhabra got his first big break with Imtiaz Ali's Love Aaj Kal but it was his immaculate casting in Anurag Kashyap's Gangs Of Wasseypur that made him a name to reckon with. Presently casting for Aamir Khan's upcoming wrestling film Dangal, Chhabra has no reservations in helping his friends within the industry with casting.
Contact details (Address): Bunglow No 160, J P Road, Andheri West, Mumbai - 400058, Aaram Nager, Part 2
Send portfolio: casting@mccc.in

5. Honey Trehan

Another theatre product from Delhi, Honey Trehan worked as a stage director in New Delhi. However, his chance meeting with Vishal Bhardwaj in Mumbai changed the course of his career. Trehan worked as an assistant director in Bhardwaj's Makdee and later showed interest in getting actors for Bhardwaj's movies. That is how Maqbool, Omkaraand Kaminey happened and there was no looking back for Trehan.
Trehan's first independent assignment was Aamir Khan's production, Delhi Belly. However, it was his dream to cast for Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra and Ritesh Sidhwani, which also happened with the time. Today, Trehan is content with the way his career has shaped up and feels there is plenty of scope for casting directors in the industry
You can tweet to Honey Trehan: https://twitter.com/HoneyTrehan
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/honey.trehan.3

6. Vicky Sidana

Star finds: Kartik Tiwari, Divyendu Sharma and Rayo Bakhrita

Vicky Sidana struck gold after his casting for Pyaar Ka Punchnama hit the bull's eye! While life got tedious after the movie, the challenges of his job have always excited him. Sidana has been a part of marathon auditioning processes to filter people for Special 26and Pyaar Ka Punchnama and has only gotten better. And with Bodyguard and Baby also to his credit, Sidana has rapidly found a footing in the industry.
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/VickySidanaCastingDirector

7. Nandini Shrikent

It was her internship with Govind Nihlani on Takshak which changed the course of her career.
Nandini got her first big break when she got a chance doing the casting for Lakshya. However, her very first assignment was more of a challenge for Shrikent when she was asked to cast 72 actors to fit Lakshya's war set-up. However, her performance in Lakshya ensured that there was no looking back. Her next few projects, Luck by Chance , Rock On!!, Life of Pi, Student of the Year and most recently, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani established her as a name to reckon with.
Facebook page for message: https://www.facebook.com/nandini.shrikent
Info source

Contact Emails 5 casting directors

5) Shanoo Sharma

casting@yashrajfilms.com

Updated post from 7.3.2016

Top 7 Casting Directors with Contact Email of 5 to Help You

12 Best Casting Agencies Mainly for Films

12 Best Casting Agencies Exclusively for Films

How to be Smart, Beat Competition and Grab Entry into Films?

Words of Wisdom from Author!

Remember the rule of 80 20, that our 80% of efforts give 20% of results and vice versa. Therefore, in this cine-world industry of cut-throat competition, have focused on those activities which gives maximum results with minimum efforts.
After a considerable research and time we have found out the prominent Film Production Houses directly casting actors, and other select Casting Agencies exclusively for films and Bollywood.
It would be the best to focus on them. Contact them and submit your Portfolio, Resume, Monologue and show-reel. And remember,continue pursuing them periodically till you get a break!

Can You Keep This List as a Secret? If Yes Then...

1. Green Chilly Film Production
902, Ganesh Society, Shree Krishna Nagar, Film City Road, Goregaon East, Opposite Ganesh Mandir, Santosh Nagar, Mumbai - 400063
+(91)-22-45206603

2. Sai Entertainment Films
Unit No 11,Mohid Height, Four Banglow Mahada, Andheri West, Near MTNL,RTO Signal, Mumbai - 400053
+(91)-22-49171036

3. Flying Entertainment
222/1772,Motilal Nagar No-1, Road No 6 , Goregaon West, Near Vibgyor School, Mumbai - 400104
+(91)-22-49173214

4. Dancing Pictures
Flat No 603 ,6th Floor, Oceanic One, Andheri West, Near Nana Nani Park, 7 Bungalows, Versova, Mumbai - 400061
+(91)-22-49175996

5. V Films Production
Shop No 9, Shalibhadra Building No 1, Mira Bhyanadar Road, Mira Road, Near Shivali Statue, Kashimira, Thane - 401107
+(91)-22-61617478

6. Essel Vision Production Ltd
4th Floor, Fun Republic Building, New Link Road, Andheri West, Opposite Laxmi Industrial Estate, Mumbai - 400053
+(91)-9769833912, 9167656030, 9819032334 \ +(91)-22-26736454, 26736452, 26736451, 26736450, 26736449 / +(91)-22-26740641

7. UVI Film Production Pvt Ltd
13, 1st Floor, Varsha Building, Off Link Road, Malad West, Opposite "Movie time" Theatre, Ramchandra Lane Extension, Mumbai - 400064
+(91)-22-61639043; +(91)-22-67614317, 67614318
Website: www.uviproductions.com

8. Cine TV Artists & Workers Association
D/12, Grace Plaza Shopping Centre, S V Road, Jogeshwari West, Opp Sabri Masjid, Mumbai - 400102
+(91)-8433238738, 9220541108, 9769326544; +(91)-22-66989738

9. Manas Entertainment
318, Shubham Complex, Sector 11, Matheran Road, New Panvel, Opposite Petrol Pump, Navi Mumbai - 410206
+(91)-8082073073

10. Shaboo Kiran Productions Pvt Ltd
2602, Tower C, Rushtomji Elanza, Link Road, Malad West, Near Inorbit Mall, Mumbai - 400064
+(91)-22-45106701

11. Western Pacific Production
Office No 40, Ground Floor, Citi Mall, Lokhandwala Link Road, Andheri West, Besides Inifity Mall, Mumbai - 400058
+(91)-9699161567, 9867163436, 9819006909; +(91)-22-61272048

12. Lemon Tree
6, Mohatta Bhavan, Worli, Off Dr E Moses Road, Mumbai - 400018
+(91)-9820054707; +(91)-22-24982488, 24982499
Source of reviews

... More on request

"The author carries a disclaimer about the current bona fides of the names above. The actors must verify the authenticity of agencies personally before paying any amount"

Do you know These 12 Untold Top Film Casting Agencies?

Let's learn from mistakes

The Deadly Mistakes!

Just a dream to be an actor and jumped into the sea of "Actors" without knowing how to swim
No research done on the requirements of how to be a Bollywood or TV serial actor and have never analyzed whether or not you meet those requirement criteria-

For example, your Physical and mental expertise, Financial support for a long period, Expenses in Mumbai, Proficiency in Hindi and English, Quality of voice, Contacts in the industry, Excellence in acting ability, Marketing competence and business sense, etc.

Joining an acting school on the basis of big names, glitter of the establishment, without proper survey, paying hefty sums of 2 to 3 Lakhs with no post training support.
Exhibiting impatience in becoming an actor and falling prey to cheats and fraudsters
Facing rejections leading to frustrations and depression

Final Result is

A. Quitting the race
B. Taking petty jobs for survival
C. Drowning oneself in alcohol and drugs

Have you made any of the above mistakes?

Don�t worry.

I bet everybody knows about the saying nobody is perfect. Well, it�s true. One way or the other at one time in your actor�s life you are bound to make minor and major mistakes. A mistake may seem to be a negative thing for you now. But it all depends on how you see things. But if we turn the tables around, you may find that some mistakes in your life can make you stronger and wiser. There are lessons to be learned if you just allow these mistakes to teach them to you.

Step 1

Forgive Yourself

Again, I would like to repeat the line �nobody is perfect� because it�s true. Remember saying in the case of an unfaithful woman who was to be punished by an angry crowd. The God passed the stone to any person who has no sin and throw it at the accused. He said �He who has no sin may cast the first stone.� No one dared to do so. This comes to show that no one is infallible. Everyone makes mistakes. Knowing this you have to learn to forgive yourself. That is the first step.

Step 2

Past is Past

What was done in the past cannot be undone. We cannot change our past. But we can mold the future today. There�s no point in crying over spilled milk. Besides, what good would that do, right? Stop thinking about it with regret. Instead, start listing down the things that led you to make that mistake.

Step 3

Change your Path

Now that you�ve evaluated the problem and you�ve listed down the paths that led you to making that mistake, change your path. Don�t make the same mistake again. The first time you made the mistake was unintentional, but if it happens again, you decided for it to happen.

Step 4

Be Smart

Do you know the laws of �cause and effect�? There is something that caused that mistake to happen. Be smart enough to recognize it and avoid it in future. You must understand that although you are happy with who you are as an actor or a struggler, there is always room for improvement. Remember, a mistake makes you realize your weaknesses. Therefore you will know which skills and talents you will need to work on to improve your acting craft or marketing efforts so the mistake will not happen again.

Step 5

Forgive Yourself and Others

Hating yourself and others will not help you as a person. It will only make you distrusting and paranoid. If someone hurt you before, that doesn�t mean that everybody else will do the same thing. Forgive the one who hurt you and trust that he or she will get what is due to them in time. Also, it is most important for you to forgive yourself. Everything happens for a reason.

Step 6

Be Positive- The Only Option

Keep a positive attitude. Again, remember that everything happens for a reason. Even though a mistake seems catastrophic to you now, some good will come out of it someday. Just be sure to learn from your mistakes and you will find that the things you learn from them will make you a stronger and better person in the future.
Inspired by Sheila Noreen Gamo

6 Sure Steps | How to Overcome Actor's Career Deadly Mistakes

Actor coordinators

Though the reviews are fair, you are strongly advised to check the credentials before you pay for registration, portfolio or show-reel

The suggested background check list for coordinators and casting directors:

How many actors and models are registered in their data bank?
Which are the production houses for films and TV serials where their registered actors and models have gotten assignments (jobs)? And the names of such films, TV serials, commercial ads and print media?
What is their registration fee? (Compare with others mentioned below)
Will they register you if you have your own portfolio and show (Demo) reel?
Ask your co-actors about the reputation of a coordinator (This question to be asked if their registration fee is high and which includes portfolio and show reel making)
Whether the fee is for once (lifetime) or for a limited period?

Start your hard work NOW and the best is to visit personally, especially if the contact numbers have changed

1. Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company
Bungalow No 160, J P Road, Andheri West, Aaram Nager, Part 2, Mumbai - 400058

2. Glamour Calling Hub
B-301, ANNAPURNA CHS, OPP OSHIWARA PARK BUILDING, ANDHERI (W), MUMBAI - 400 053
+91-22-652 41 608 / 490
INFO@GLAMOURCALLING.COM
Web site:http://glamourcalling.com/

3. Mona Irani Model Agency
C 13 Troika Apt 3rd Floor Lokhandwala Cplx, Andheri West, Lokhandwala, Mumbai - 400053
+(91)-22-26321981

4. H S Casting Agency
Shop No 216, C/O City Mall, New Link Road, Andheri West, Near Pvr Cinema, Mumbai - 400053
+(91)-9769362537, 8898997609, 8898512644, +(91)-22-67082436

5. Israni Entertainment India LTD
Oshiwara Industrial Estate, D-267, Goregaon West, Opposite Goregaon Depot, Mumbai - 400104
+(91)-22-49183069

6. Janets Casting Hub
Plot No 1837, Vrundavan Society, Marve Road, Jankalyan Nagar-Malad West, Beside Vrundavan Entertainment Pvt Ltd Opposite Green Village Resort, Mumbai - 400095
+(91)-9867210769, +(91)-22-65635511, 65635512

7. A K Music & Film Entertainment
2nd Floor, City Centre, Office No 243, Goregaon West, Near Railway Station, Mumbai - 400062
+(91)-22-49175778

8. S S Casting
Office No 5 Plot No 71, Viniyog Building, Road No 4 Mg Road, Goregaon West, I T Nagar, Mumbai - 400062
+(91)-22-67384237

9. Passion Entertainments
Bungalow No 50/50, Andheri West, S V P Nagar, Opposite Janki Devi School, 4 Bungalow Mahada, Mumbai - 400053
+(91)-22-61631674
website: www.passionactinginstitute.in

10. Himesh Choudhary Creative Unit
A1 101,New Mahada, Malwani Colony-Malad West, Mumbai - 400095
+(91)-9167424143, 9920586268

11. Sai Sagar Entertainment
B 10, Office No 1, Ground Floor, S V Road, Santacruz West, Kheera Nagar, Beside Gold Gym, Near Reliance Mart, Mumbai - 400054
+(91)-22-61615300

12. Almira Film & Advertising Agency
219, 2nd Floor, Building 11, Bandra Kurla Complex-Bandra East, Near Trade Centre, Opposite Telephone Exchange, Bandra Kurla Complex, Mumbai - 400051
+(91)-22-42733484

13. Mystic Angels Entertainment
B/1106, Silicon Park, Evershine Nagar-Malad West, Behind JAI Nagar & Jankalayan Nagar, Off Marve Road, Mumbai - 400064
+(91)-9820010450, 9820413947

14. Shaan Sky Production
Office No 05, Ground Floor,Viniyog Building, Goregaon West, Nr.Tiwari Hospital, Mumbai - 400062
+(91)-9833350097, 9820838397

15. Inmatch Modelling Pvt Ltd (For modeling) -Be careful! Check before you pay!
Kapadia Apartment, Swastik Chs, S V Road, Vile Parle West, Next To Bank Of India, Mumbai - 400056
+(91)-22-61427098; +(91)-22-67366777
Reviews source

15 Most Reviewed Coordinators to Get Acting Jobs

How to exploit Facebook to get roles in films, TV serials and commercial ads

Steps

1. Open a profile account on Facebook.

2. Visit below mentioned groups and casting directors

3. For groups: Send request for membership. Most of them are open groups.

4. Post your brief resume/photo under "status" in these groups. That's it!

5. There will be several posts from dozens of casting directors in these groups.

6. Click on these casting directors and visit their pages. Request for friendship contact. Meanwhile, even if you are not yet friend, post your brief resume/photo or your website URL under "message". You are done!

7. Get their contact No. and phone or send them Email which you may find on their page.

8. Don't give up. Go on contacting them once in 15 days. NOT daily!

9. For the list of Casting Directors follow steps above from 6

Casting Groups on Facebook

1. Anil kumar casting group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1424412841105677/

2. Casting auditions
https://www.facebook.com/groups/casting.pauljose/

3. Casting for Films and Commercials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/92158854108/

4. Film Actor Association Maharashtra

https://www.facebook.com/groups/156925447830948/295407227316102/

5. Audition Bollywood

https://www.facebook.com/groups/auditionbollywood/684037478375872/

6. INDICASTING (Closed group-require approval)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/d.indicasting/756391011111474/

7. ACTOR , MODEL , ARTIST , DIRECTOR AND PRODUCER
https://www.facebook.com/groups/528956130543594/623815341057672/

8. Models Mumbai,Navi Mumbai and Pune
https://www.facebook.com/groups/radiancevision/520186781452092/

9. *The Indian Television Academy...since 2001
https://www.facebook.com/groups/289775274366614/906191532724982/

10. mypnp Casting (Mostly Marathi auditions. Closed group-require approval)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mypnpcasting/989535694393674/

11. Casting Calls India

https://www.facebook.com/groups/castingcallsindia/734773623272310/

Kfm Mgmt (Modelling)
https://www.facebook.com/AbhinavjTaparia

12. **Indian Modelling Industry
https://www.facebook.com/groups/anilkrantz/10152602469712545/

13. *Casting for Films and Commercials
https://www.facebook.com/groups/92158854108/

14. *Crewhunt - for Models, Actors, Casting Directors and more ...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/crewhunt/

15. New Audition Spot
https://www.facebook.com/groups/326515660705199/

Casting Directors on Facebook

1. *Casting Director Aryan
https://www.facebook.com/AryanCastingDirector

Related Posts
Social Networking Game Tricks Only for Intelligent Actors

9 Simple Steps on How to Exploit Facebook for Top Casting Directors

Though there are hundreds of casting directors in India, most of them, in Mumbai, here are the three TOP ONES who are selecting and recommending actors to leading production houses of Bollywood.
Whatever information I could gather about them, I have given below. More, you have to find out yourself through social networking sites and from other casting directors or actors.
However, one of the ways to contact them is to send your details and portfolio as a "message" through their Facebook Page, on the link given below under their names.
(You must have your own Facebook account)

Nandini Shrikent

Facebook page (You can send your portfolio as a "message")
https://www.facebook.com/nandini.shrikent?fref=ts
Advice for aspiring actors
"Watch films, watch plays, watch people, keep it real and be positive. The rest is up to Dionysus".

Vicky Sidana

Facebook page (You can send your portfolio as a "message")
https://www.facebook.com/VickySidanaCastingDirector
Twitter page (You can tweet your website or request for his contact Email/Number)
https://twitter.com/vickysidana_

Mukesh Chhabra

Interested are requested to send in your latest pictures (Max. upto 4 pictures not exceeding 2Mb) with the following Email Id-
mukeshchhabra27@gmail.com
Mukesh Chhabra casting co. on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mukesh-Chhabras-Casting-Co/508627739217032
Mukesh Chhabra's website (Note: The site opens late)
http://www.mccc.in/

Top 3 Casting Directors You Can Contact For Bollywood Entry

Greedy and Cheats

Modeling / Acting Scam

There are too many modeling, acting agencies and acting schools that dupe and fool on an aspiring model and actor�s dream to get entry into Bollywood or serials (TV episodes). These unscrupulous people post casting notices, auditions, guaranteed roles and ads on different websites like Quickr, Olx, and other free classified sites that refer to fake auditions and nonexistent castings for a break that sound real. Some also use ads on the radio and newspapers to entice people.

Here Is Why They do This. To Extract Money!

Here are some of the examples

There are many agencies that operate very intelligently. They don�t just come out and ask for money, they first get your confidence and screw you in slowly. Often times, they schedule a �fake� audition (they don�t ask for money here to put you at ease), then they call and tell you �you have been short listed� come in for a 2nd audition and sometimes a 3rd and meet a fake director or a producer. Once there, they tell you �you are perfect� but��. This is where the salesperson kicks in and tries to lure you for a lead role in a feature film if you give a deposit of Rs.1 to 2 lacs, which includes training or some lesser ones will try to sell you on photos, portfolios, show reel, acting classes and anything else they can push on you. The audition was not actually for a real part in any production, it was to evaluate how much you will spend and how much they can sucker you out of.

My experience:

The girl Neeta from Lucknow phoned me for an advice. She applied with her photographs to an ad from so called a Doordarhan authorized agency for a new serial. She got an immediately that she has been selected and had to remit Rs.4000 for an artist card. Excited that her dream will now be fulfilled, she paid the amount. And she got the artist card (from a bogus company) within 10 days along with a note that now she has to come to Mumbai for finalization with Doordarshan producer and a training in a reputed school, therefore she should bring with her Rs. 47,000.
I warned her, as I found on investigation that it was a scam.

Some agencies / individuals involved are paid to get �leads� (i.e. Finding out people). Leads are people of a certain demographic especially girls and others, such as child, teen, man, etc. That has an interest, such as acting or modeling, that they can later exploit by way of email spam, telemarketing, etc. After you answer a �fake� casting, you will begin getting offers through email and sales pitches from telemarketers, all aimed at getting you hooked.
There is an acting school in �X� (name hidden) town. This school has a setting with Mumbai Casting directors (model and actor coordinators calling themselves now casting directors). The deal is that the casting director will arrange his students guaranteed roles when he sends them to Mumbai. In turn, the casting director will charge Rs. �X� from such students as his registration fee. Usually this casting director arranges roles of an extra like a waiter, watchman, lift man, a nurse standing with a tray behind doctor or a member of a wedding procession etc. Unfortunately, the students initially are happy that the school has kept its promise of a giving a break, but later are crestfallen when the same casting director doesn�t help and they are on the road.

Here�s How to Spot the Real Castings from the Fakes.

Remember, real casting directors will always want your portfolio, resume, show reel, and for modeling things such as height, weight, size, etc., through filling a proper online form. Their registration charges, if any, are never hidden. Usually it is mentioned on their website. Their website will be authentic and not dubious. The site will mention database of models and actors and films, serials or ads where they're registered models and actors got assignments. Anything else should ring warning bells!

How to find out whether a website is genuine or fake?
Visit http://www.whoishostingthis.com/ and write URL of a particular website. You will find out- a Hosting provider, WHOIS, IP address and servers, which can further provide you more info

Beware of anyone looking for �new faces�. Everyone has a new face! You can walk out your door and find dozens in a minute! The word �new faces� is a red flag for a scam.
Beware of general needs such as �any gender, ages 15 to 75? that�s almost EVERYONE! Real castings have specific needs (with the exception of extras).
Beware of �no experience necessary� in acting, dance and modeling, experience and training. Really, who is hiring actors who can�t act or fashion models that can�t walk? The only exception may be neighborhood fashion shows and student films.
Beware of ads with large pay. Ads that read like �models and actors needed for �a highly reputed production house� Rs 10,00 daily and assignment is 4 to 5 days
Girls! Beware of anything that asks for lingerie, topless, etc, and request pics from you to be considered. Use your imagination on what someone will do with those. Real casting directors will want headshots, full body shot (clothed) and measurements and ask you to try on their clothing at the audition, once one is scheduled.
Beware of webcam auditions, Skype auditions and the like from people you do not know. There have been many scams where ladies did those and were talked out of their clothing by people saying �I need to see what you really look like� and other lines. Those videos then get sold in other countries and end up all over the internet for other�s enjoyment.
Beware of Extras casting calls. Generally, large productions go through a casting company. Anyone posting things like �Extras needed to make scenes look �real�, �Insert big movie name here� pays Rs.2000 daily� is a scam. Large productions in small cities will post notices, but in large cities, they already have all the extras needed, unless there is some specific needs the extras agency can�t fill.
Beware of anything that says call some number, casting agents are waiting. Casting directors look at headshots and resumes than call back who they like. They do not sit by a phone waiting for everyone and their mom to call without even knowing if they fit. Basically, they call you if they like you.

How to Protect Yourself as An Aspiring Model/Actor:

Get a new email account, with an anonymous username like �ooloo 545839m�, one for casting calls that you respond to. If you later that your reply is to a legitimate audition call, import that reply of yours to your main email account. Now you are safe, if your this anonymous email account is used by spammers or misused by others. You can always cancel is an email account without losing anything important.

Before Joining an Acting School, Wether Reputed or Not

Don�t get carried away by publicity or name. In many instances, especially in the other towns than Mumbai, people take a famous name (Banner) as a franchisee and run school. In return, they pay for that well known school/ institute a monthly or annual franchise fee. Aspiring models and actors get carried away with the �name� and pay a hefty fee. Such schools have poor faculty and bad training.
Visit an acting school; find out who are the members of their faculty, their background, a record of teaching and how much time they give to students. Do they focus on individual students? Go to such school on a day when the classes are getting over and talk to students and seek their views. Find out the names of the students from the school who and how many got a break and where? DON�T pay anything before you have researched fully and found out everything!

How Aspiring Actors can Find Greedy and Cheats in Bollywood

On way to realize my Bollywood dreams

Why do they cast you for a role in a Rs. 20 crores Bollywood film?

The secret of success in Bollywood auditions

Let us count the ways. Is it only your awesome personality? Your having memorized your lines? Your fabulous new shoes or your jazzy dress from a top international brand? There are way too many external forces that enter into it. But in the end, it�s the undeniable talent and deeply connected but your own simple, creative and relevant performance that you bring into the casting room that matters most.

TOP 8 TIPS

1. You're talented.

Your talent is oozing out. Whether it is for the first time when you enter and give your introduction on camera, or shown through clips or show reel submitted, you've shown that over and over again. In a play, a short film, a guest role... Or any combo of the above.

2. You know somebody.

Yes, that makes makes an impact. The good news is, you might know the casting director, the associate, the producer, director, writer� The more working relationships, you develop in the industry, the more likely you�ll keep working with your colleagues again. That said, you still have to bring your talent, preparation, and individuality into the casting room.

3. You�re �hot�.

The moment you enter, they look at you with their jaws dropped and with eyebrows raised. "Wow!"- they speak in an unspoken voice. It doesn�t mean that you are the most beautiful girl or handsome man they have ever seen. No. It means that you are really attractive and eye catching. It means that you have really worked on your figure in a professional way..

4. You were prepared and professional.

You�d done your homework and you made bold choices in performance�no excuses or apologies. It was clear that you gave your own interpretation of the character and did not get lost in �pleasing them� or �anxious of doing the character right as per the books or what you learnt in an acting class.� They know that you can be on a shooting set and bring the same professionalism and preparedness..

5. You brought something new, fresh, and smart to them.

Your choices were personal and alive. Not a typical class room stuff. You were bold enough to create the role and the scene so fully that it felt like they were hearing the material for the first time. And from then on, they never got anything close to from the other 100 guys who came after you.

6. Though you had a small role in an audition, you kept it simple, and you were alive in that one small moment.

You understood that smaller roles are often there to move the story along. Wisely, you didn�t make it more than it was, but you did bring a specific life to that small role. And remember, in smaller roles, you�re often cast because you were �the guy or that woman.� (For example-that taxi driver, that hospital ward boy, that the housemaid, that nurse etc) Sometimes it�s as simple as that. You looked and felt right.

7. Your work moved them on an emotional level.

The audition day for a casting director or a director is always stressful. It can be suddenly uplifted by your personal, courageous, and emotionally connected charm and performance you share with them.

8. They feel it was a joy to spend time with you.

You brought your open heart, your vulnerability, and your love of the work in the casting room. You can see that they want to spend more time with you.
Remember
There are a whole bunch more reasons. There are no fixed rules. So many factors go into making a casting choice. And you have no control over most of this process. What you do have control over is the kind of performance you create in a casting room, the way you approach to a character assigned to you, and the joy you share in doing the work in the audition room. If you allow yourself to be fully present, bold, specific, emotionally engaged in your performance, everyone in the audition room will fall in love. You will be a champion.
And if it�s not this role, then another one. But you�re in their hearts and minds for good
Based on source