Everyone loves watching films, but very few people know that every actor seen on screen is carefully cast. This is a long process. Not only in Bollywood but also in Gujarati films, the casting process is quite extensive, considering many factors. The Gujarati film Kaashi Raaghav, set to release on January 3rd, is an emotionally intense film and is quite different from other Gujarati films. Produced under the banner of Dhanpal Films by Dhanpal Shah, this film stars Deeksha Joshi and Jayesh More in the lead roles. The film is written and directed by Dhruv Goswami. Additionally, Shruhad Goswami and child artist Pihushree Gadhvi will play very important roles. Regarding how these unique actors were chosen for such a distinct film, Casting Director Avani Soni shared some key insights.
Avani Soni is a well-known casting director with a strong presence in both the Gujarati film industry and television. She began her career in the entertainment industry at the young age of 22 and has since built a reputation with her work in various popular films and TV shows. Her filmography includes notable films like Love Ni Love Stories, Bachubhai, Tamburo, and Chhuti Jaayega Chhakka, among many others. With vast experience working with over 300 artists across India, she has played a pivotal role in casting for numerous Gujarati films and Indian non-fiction TV shows. In 2010, she took a significant step by founding her own talent management company, FATC – Events and Entertainment, which has since become a key player in the industry. Through her company, she continues to manage talent and contribute to shaping the entertainment landscape.
Avani Soni explains, “Kaashi Raaghav is a very different film. The film’s director Dhruv Goswami gave me a glimpse of the story. Since the film features a blend of Gujarati and Bengali languages, I knew casting would be a bit challenging, but it was very enjoyable. We were looking for characters who could speak Bengali fluently. Casting for this film became a truly memorable experience.”
In Kaashi Raaghav, Deeksha Joshi plays the role of a “prostitute,” which is a very challenging role, and her character is also portrayed as Bengali. Regarding Deeksha’s selection for this role, Avani Soni says, “There were other options for the role of Kaashi, but whenever we make a film, the director and writer have a vision. They imagine the character and have a clear vision in mind. As a casting director, I believe the actor who can do justice to the character with their skill should be chosen. Dhruv, the director, had seen a glimpse of Deeksha’s work in a short film and said that our Kaashi should be like that. I also felt that Deeksha could do justice to the role of Kaashi. She is a talented actress. She has done several roles, but playing Kaashi is challenging for her as she portrays a “prostitute.” When the audience watches the film, they will be captivated by her performance. I believe Deeksha is the perfect choice.”
Before casting any film, it is very important to understand the script. It’s also crucial to know who would be the perfect fit for each character in the film. Avani Soni reads the script twice before casting for any film, so she can fully understand it. She believes that it is essential to understand the demands of the character and think about which actor can perform the role in the best possible way. Casting directors must pay close attention to all these aspects, as the success of the film depends at least 51% on the casting. Only when the casting is right can the story of the film be done justice. After understanding the script, discussions with the director help select the right cast to make the film successful.
Regarding the memorable experience of casting for Kaashi Raaghav, Avani Soni mentions, “After casting all the characters, we were in search of a child artist for the role of Kaashi’s daughter. We held auditions for around 52 child artists from various places, including Gujarat, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Three days before going to the film set, we selected Pihushree Gadhvi from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, because this role is very innocent.”
“Understanding the essence of the story and the importance of the character is crucial for any actor to do justice to their role. Both Deeksha Joshi and Jayesh More have worked very hard for Kaashi Raaghav. Deeksha learned Bengali for 3-4 months for the Bengali character. She completely immersed herself to embody the role of Kaashi. For the role of Raaghav, Jayesh More took time off from his daily shop routine to dedicate full time for the film’s training and even received special training to drive a truck. He is a versatile actor, and his hard work is beautifully reflected in the film. All the artists, including Shruhad Goswami and child artist Pihushree Gadhvi, have done complete justice to their roles. The film showcases areas like Sonagachi, Kamathipura, etc. Deeksha, with the direction team’s support, studied the behaviour, speech, body language, and lifestyle of the people in those areas to perfectly portray the character of Kaashi.” – Avani Soni concludes, sharing her insights into the film’s casting.
