Casting Coup

Each of the nominees rightfully deserves to be here since Luck by Chance may not have been as endearing as it was if it weren’t for its quirky set of characters and,in the case of Firaaq one cannot single out a lead character since it comprises three parallel storylines.

Das is surprised when she is informed of Firaaq’s nomination. She is reminded of actor Naseeruddin Shah’s comment after the film’s first screening. “Naseerji told me that if someone from Firaaq’s cast had to be nominated for the Best Actor Award this year,it wouldn’t be possible because the entire cast performed so well that one couldn’t be singled out,” says the filmmaker,who has recently shifted base to Mumbai. Das adds the new category is a great way to motivate the entire team. “It’s another way of appreciating the entire cast’s work and pushing them to do their best.”

Mehra gives the credit of the film’s nomination to the casting director PS Bharthi. Though casting directors have been around for some years now,they came under the spotlight after Danny Boyle acknowledged Loveleen Tandon’s contribution to the success of Slumdog Millionaire. “It’s a specialised field and a producer or a director may not have all the knowledge required for it. A casting director can span the country and the world for the right cast as happened with Rang De Basanti and now Delhi-6 . It’s a great emerging trend and it’s an encouraging initiative on behalf of Screen,” says Mehra.