In a recent conversation with Casting Director Panchami Ghavri, we delved into the unconventional nature of her profession and the unjust negative reputation that the film industry often carries.
Panchami's journey into casting was serendipitous rather than planned. Starting work at the age of 18 on one of Ayan Mukerji's films, she initially assisted a casting director and discovered a natural flair for the job. Describing casting as an unconventional career path, Panchami emphasised that no one sets out with the intention of becoming a casting director—it's a role you evolve into. For her, stumbling into this field turned out to be "one of the best things."
Gaining an early kickstart in her career, Panchami now boasts a decade of experience. However, she highlighted an interesting aspect of perception within the industry—despite her tenure, some still see her as a young casting director. She humorously noted that those who haven't met her often expect someone much older. Reflecting on her journey, she mentioned venturing into conducting workshops but eventually paused, recognising the significant responsibility it entailed. She committed to the role only when confident she could give it her utmost effort.
Today, Panchami stands as one of the prominent casting directors in both the film and OTT domains. Her story showcases how an unplanned start in an unconventional field can lead to unexpected and successful trajectories in the world of cinema.