Young & Restless

Home Town: Delhi

Qualification: Graduate in Computers Business

Grooming: I started learning Kathak at the age of six. After college,I pursued dancing and acting seriously. I did various stage performances and have also choreographed some TV commercials.

Auditions: Whenever you get a briefing from your casting director,you should ask as many questions as you can to get the character sketch right. Rehearse your lines pretty well for a smooth performance. If the casting director asks you to carry something for the auditions,do that or simply carry your script,a pen and your mind! Look cool and keep your mind fresh. Be confident,friendly and always smile. Your look and your make-up should suit the character for which you are auditioning.

Portfolio: As actors,you should have many pictures of yourself in different looks and poses. You should always have your basic pictures too,like a close-up of your face with minimum make-up,a full-length picture,a candid photograph and a glamorous one. This will help them to know you better.

Pallavi Sharda:

Home Town: Australia

Qualification: Graduate in Law and Journalism

Grooming: I have done courses in acting,arts and Bharatanatyam. I have also done the Hindi movie Dus Tola and the English film Walk Away.

Auditions: Well during my auditions for LBZ,in my first meeting,the casting director Sandhya Mridul took me to the director,Sahil Sangha. They explained my role and what they expected from me. I gave my screen test in front of Dia. As we had already discussed about my character and the situation,I was well-prepared and without getting nervous,I performed

smoothly.

Portfolio: I personally don’t believe in portfolios. I like meeting people in person instead as that is how they will come to know my personality in and out. The pictures that I generally show or email to the casting agents are more like an art show,shot by a Mumbai based photographer.

Satyadeep Mishra:

Home Town: Delhi

Qualification: Corporate lawyer

Grooming: I never went to any acting school. I just did theatre in my college. I have acted in a few Bollywood films earlier,like No One Killed Jessica and Turning 30

Auditions: The casting team generally mails you the script on the previous day of the auditions. You need to read and understand the script thoroughly so that you can rephrase your lines and deliver your dialogues without fumbling,instead of recollecting the words that were mentioned in the script. They also tell you about your attire and looks in which you should be. You get your character- sketch well in advance,so you can dress up according to your character and go for it. Once on camera,you need to relax,and not be stressed as it will come across your performance. Don’t be nervous at all as these are just auditions,and not the end of the world!

Portfolio: These days the casting directors ask you for your candid photographs rather than your portfolio snaps as they are aware that you look natural in your candid pics,so I simply send them the link to my Facebook images.

Vaibhav Talwar:

Home Town: Delhi

Qualification: Graduate in Business Administration.

Grooming: I took up acting classes at Barry John’s acting institute in Delhi. I did modelling for five years. I did Teen Patti,wherein I played one of Amitabh Bachchan’s students.

Auditions: Basically you get a call from the casting director,they tell you about your part and the situation. You need to dress up accordingly or ask them how they would want you to look. One should not dress up too loud. It is not a good idea. You should look as simple as a blank canvas so that the casting directors can mould you into various characters as they want. Learn your dialogues really well and show up on time. You need to look confident as the first thing they check is how comfortable you are in front of the camera. Personally,I don’t do any preparations. I just learn my lines well to deliver a flawless performance. I also make it a point to show up at the venue on time.

Portfolio: I send the casting director some 10 to 12 pictures of mine,which consist of my previous work snaps or stills and portfolio images.

Umang Jain:

Home Town: Mumbai

Qualification: Bachelor in Mass Media

Grooming: Apart from acting in several stage shows since childhood,I have done modelling and acted in music albums and documentaries. I have also hosted a few shows.

Auditions: You need to wear clothes as described by the casting director. You can wear casual clothes but later do a costume change at the venue,as described by them or demanded in the script by your character. They generally tell you if they want you to look casual,corporate,up- market,sporty or any other ways. For girls at times they even specify the make up. I personally prefer nude make-up because they feel that if you look good in nude make up then of course you can look better in over-the-top make-up. I always carry tissue papers in my bag. If you sweat or your skin goes oily you can just pat it off. And during your performance,just be yourself and don’t be fake.

Portfolio: You should try and hire a good professional photographer. They give you cues on various moods and attitude that you can portray in your snaps.