Actor also claims most casting assistants are failed actors, often taking up job as means of livelihood
Indian actor Vikrant Massey reflected on his acting journey and shared his views on the audition process, particularly the role of casting directors and assistants. “Most casting directors and casting assistants are failed actors themselves. Most of them,” Massey said at an event. He added, “Failed is not the right word, maybe comparatively unsuccessful actors, or they have not been able to recognise or realise their potential entirely.”
The 12th Fail actor explained that casting professionals often take up the job as a means of livelihood, but some carry a sense of frustration into the audition room. “They take up those jobs because they have homes to run. But there is a bitter feeling,” he said. He added, “Every casting assistant is trying to teach you acting. They stand behind the camcorder, and they will make you act the way they think you should act.”
The actor also noted that even when a performer is well-prepared and talented, assistants will still instruct them to act according to their personal preferences. According to Massey, as he grew more aware of these dynamics, he began requesting that the directors themselves sit in on his auditions instead of the acting coaches.
Sharing that he started his career at just 16 years old, balancing two jobs while pursuing his education, the actor recalled that it was during one of these jobs that a television producer spotted him and offered him his first acting opportunity.
He added that he believed repeated rejections made him a stronger performer. “Sometimes, your audition is good, you don’t get the part, but your audition is actually a reference for other actors. You are just thinking, if I were good enough, why did I not get selected? That’s how it is. Rejections were plenty. Thanks to all those casting assistants,” he said.
As he gears up to star in a biographical film portraying spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Massey last featured in the romantic drama Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan alongside Shanaya Kapoor.
