Mukesh Kumar - I Am Working on My Own Brand of Apparel That Goes by the Name ‘Cutieyapa' (Casting Director from India)

Mukesh Kumar - I Am Working on My Own Brand of Apparel That Goes by the Name ‘Cutieyapa' (Casting Director from India)

The casting came as a very unexpected choice but in a very favourable way. I enjoyed it just as much as any of my endeavours so far. I pride myself on being involved in many skills as much as I can. 


Tell us about your background and journey?

I come from a very versatile family, my Father is a Transporter and my Mother is a Social worker from Himachal Pradesh, growing up surrounded by mountains and varied cultures has helped me make the best of all the opportunities I had in life. 

I graduated in Mass Communication From "International Institute of Mass Media, Delhi. In my early days into career-building, I started out as an activist aiding the better causes. I got associated with "Linda Morse Bal Panchayat trust" as a member, also involved in "CASP PLAN NGO" mainly to spread awareness relating to some very serious issues in our society. 

I moved on from there to media platforms especially for documentary making and art. The casting came as a very unexpected choice but in a very favourable way. I enjoyed it just as much as any of my endeavours so far. I pride myself on being involved in many skills as much as I can. 

Casting has become something that I enjoy equally and I am great with my job. The journey so far has been a wonderful ride with its twists and turns of course, but then what's a journey without ups and downs. I have had my share of turbulence and I pride myself in coming out of it with a smile, always. 


Can you tell me your approach to land leading actors?

Initially, they are informed about the role and the part. The suitable actors are approached if I feel he/she is fit for the part, later as per the schedule we appoint for a screen test and then audition. 

Whether or not the actor is suitable for a lead part is wholly detrimental to his performance. Fresh faces are always considered but the talent must come through for finally shortlisting the one. 


Which factors do you consider to determine an actor's suitability?

There are a number of factors involved here, most importantly the acting! Of course, the actor must know his part well and then comes improvisation that's equally a crucial factor. An artist must know the essence of his part to play it well, If that is to the point then he/ she is suitable.


What is your biggest pet peeve in the audition room?

Actors taking too many retakes, it's very hard to not get annoyed. 


Which method do you deploy to source talent for an audition?

There is no one way to find talent in my field. As it is for acting, it's a bit similar for sourcing talent for a specific role, be it a method part or a simple portrayal. A complex character role needs an equally serious actor to act the part and similarly, a simple part need not. Depending upon the depth of the story and the character imagery the talent needs to be uncanny. 


In your experience, what one needs to know about a casting contract?

Like any other contract, a casting contract needs to be credible and should have clarity on all aspects of the job to an artist, it is of utmost importance for the contract to be transparent and to the point. An artist should have the right to understand and raise concerns about any aspect of the same.


Which is your favourite book and why?

My favourite book is " Shot by Shot" by Steaven De Katz. This book is pretty close to me and has taught me a lot about my field. It's kind of a foundation general for beginners in Media and performing art. A fantastic read, very informative. 


How can one get in touch with you?

I am available on most social media platforms, people's can Mail me on mukeshchauhan.casting@gmail.com


What projects are you currently working on?

Since the wake of the pandemic has made it difficult to do things like before. I was open to opportunities and hence, I have a couple of projects running, Yet I am working on my own brand of apparel that goes by the name 'Cutieyapa' for kids and it's an exciting prospect for me which I am developing to become a success. Also, I am in talks to produce a web series on the ott platform, yet another opportunity for me to cast amazing talent to showcase my best production.

Interviewed by - Bhavana N