HIGH connections

Pooja Batra returns to films as a casting agent,having set up Glow Bell Inc.,in Los Angeles.

Pooja Batra returns to films as a casting agent,having set up Glow Bell Inc.,in Los Angeles.

What made you give up acting and become a casting agent?
I have not given up acting nor have I become a casting director. I love acting. If a good script or role comes by,I would like to act again. My company Glow Bell,Inc. basically bridges the gap between Hollywood and Bollywood and helps in acquiring actors,producers,directors and companies from Hollywood to Bollywood and vice-versa.

What makes the job interesting?
I have to constantly think out of the box. I am forever meeting interesting people. The requirement of the role,availability of dates and the budget are the criteria for selecting.

Who are your topmost clients in India as well as Hollywood?
It is very hard for people here in Los Angeles,to do business in India. Since I know people personally here as well as in India it helps to expedite the whole process. Also people are sceptical here unless there is a known person. Sylvester Stallone has been our

topmost client so far and it was a delight to work with him in Kambakkth Ishq as it was my first project. However it took me six months to convince Stallone and have him sign on the dotted line. I loved working with Sajid Nadiadwala too and am looking forward to more work from him.

You are also planning to launch a software in India to team up with modelling or acting agencies. How will you go about it?
Glow Bell,Inc. is helping a LA-based company called Casting Networks,Inc. to launch in India. We are already in our phase one. Yes we are getting the best modelling agencies and acting agencies on board ModelWire and CNI. It is very exciting as the response has been tremendous.

What are your plans to explore Indian talents in Indian films?
India is a storehouse of talent. As an actor,one should have the platform to be seen and noticed. Actors who are serious about their craft should not leave a single opportunity to get noticed. Our plans are to have a module where people can look for talent.

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This is an exciting time for Indian actors to get work here as Middle America has become aware of India. A lot of roles are going out to Indian actors and people are warming up to Indian culture.

Did you take up this job so that you could give ample time for your marriage as well as concentrate on your work?
It can get very challenging to juggle both personal and professional lives for some but I am really lucky as I and my husband are on the same page.

You are apparently heading the India operations of LA Casting,a Los Angeles-based company along with your own agency?
Glow Bell,Inc is helping LA Casting set shop in India. We are very excited about it and the response has been amazing.

What are the other Indian films that your agency has worked on?
Chandni Chowk To China. Glow Bell,Inc. acquired Raja Bohemia for a song.

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What are the Hollywood films?
I was working on a film called Medieval to be directed by Rob Cohen and produced by 20th Century Fox and New Regency. They were looking for a male actor from Bollywood but the project got shelved.

Any chance of doing a Hollywood film since you are working among them now?
My pilot Outsourced got picked up. I am looking to see how my character develops in it.