Casting Director Shruti Mahajan On Navigating Representation Vs. Typecasting

Have you ever watched a film and felt, "I cannot think of a better actor to play this role." That seamless connection between the artist and the character, like they are an essential piece in a jigsaw puzzle, is not just about acting, but the careful orchestration and intuition of the casting director. They are the heroes behind the scenes who can really establish the spirit of a film with their "make or break" decisions.

Shruti Mahajan, a banker-turned-casting director, is one such maestro of Indian cinema, whose genius has given us some of the most acclaimed performances, from Lipstick Under My Burkha to Heeramandi, and so many others. Her ability to spot raw talent and pair actors with the "perfect" roles has created characters that linger in the audience’s memory.

Mahajan's job is not just to fill roles but to create the heartbeat of a story. Today, with the growing awareness and demand for authentic representation beyond stereotypes, her work has become even more crucial. Moreover, with social media uncovering a new wealth of artists from all around the world, casting has become both more diverse and more challenging.

In an interview with SheThePeople, Mahajan spilt the beans on her approach to finding new artists, balancing representation and typecasting, and the excitement of discovering the "X factor" in today’s expansive talent pool. She also recounted her journey of entering the entertainment industry and working with some of India’s most respected creative teams.

Shruti Mahajan in conversation with SheThePeople

STP: Transitioning from a banking career to casting must have been an exciting yet tough decision. Was there a particular part of yourself that always knew your true calling? How did you mentally and professionally prepare for this major shift?

SM: Growing up, I was very creative; a classical dancer and had a passion for something to do with media, possibly filmmaking. Coming from a typical middle-class family, it was necessary to study and take up a conventional job. That's why I pursued my MBA and got campus placements. However, I soon realised that I was not a 9-to-5 person. My creative side was unfulfilled, and I wanted to follow my heart and my dream of entering the magical world of cinema.

During this time, I took a sabbatical, especially after my daughter was born. There came a point when I wanted to return to work. Most of my friends were advancing in their careers, while I was focused on changing diapers and parenting. But once my daughter started preschool, I knew I couldn’t just sit at home. I wanted to do something meaningful.

I started to watch a lot of theatre, plays, and movies, and I realised I needed to follow this path. Moving to Bombay felt like destiny; I believed that someone up there was helping make my dreams come true. Upon discovering that casting is the HR department of the film industry— finding the right actors for the right roles, similar to what I did in the corporate world—I decided to take the leap and pursue my dreams.

I approached this new endeavour with an open mind, focusing on growth rather than worrying about the outcome. I firmly believe that when you make a leap of faith, opportunities arise. My preparation consisted of faith in myself, readiness to embrace challenges and the courage to surrender- to the process, to my mentors, and to this new journey called casting.

STP:  In what ways did your initial projects with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prakash Jha affirm that you were on the right path? What did you tell yourself during moments of doubt or uncertainty as you navigated this new world?

SM: Getting the opportunity to work with legends like Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Prakash Jha so early in my career was the biggest validation. It reassured me that I was on the right path—because if filmmakers of their stature trusted me, I must be doing something right. That confidence boost was invaluable.

At the same time, I walked in as a complete student. There were doubts and uncertainties, but I reminded myself that it’s all part of the process. I told myself—learn, adapt, ask questions, and don’t be afraid of mistakes. With mentors like them, every challenge became a learning opportunity.

Even now, after many projects, doubts never completely go away. But I’ve realised what matters is staying true to the work, keeping a positive mindset, and relying on teamwork. One off-day doesn’t define you—what defines you is consistency, hard work, and the willingness to keep moving forward.

STP: As a casting director, how do you distinguish between talent that’s ready to be discovered and someone who still needs time to grow?

SM: I seek out talent ready for discovery by looking for a combination of strong acting skills and consistent performances that reflect hard work, dedication, and versatility. Emotional maturity is equally important; actors should be able to embody their characters authentically and connect with both audiences and their co-actors. 

Collaboration and professionalism are also essential, as being a team player and taking direction well foster a positive set environment. Beyond these qualities, I look for a distinctive presence or unique quality, often referred to as the “X factor”, that sets an actor apart.

When these elements come together, they signal that an actor is not only prepared to contribute effectively on set but also possesses the skills and craft that directors are eager to find.

STP: How do you stay inspired creatively, especially when facing repetitive roles or industry pressures?

SM: My personal journey is rooted in exploration, and I find inspiration in film, theatre, drama, and dance. Whenever I travel, I make it a priority to experience local performances, visit museums, and attend cultural events. These experiences expose me to new styles and stories, helping me stay both relevant and creatively engaged.

I also draw inspiration from connecting with people and listening to their stories, which allows me to view roles from fresh perspectives. Travelling deepens this process by immersing me in different cultures and histories, giving me clarity not only in my career but also in life beyond casting.

To keep my skills sharp and my intuition strong, I reflect on these experiences and how they shape my work. This practice enables me to approach casting with an open mind and fresh perspective, bringing greater depth to the characters I work with. Ultimately, for me, it’s all about finding that connection in the rich world of cultural and performing arts that keeps my passion alive in this industry.

STP: In what ways has social media changed casting decisions?

SM: Social media has transformed casting in India in significant ways. It has expanded the talent pool by allowing actors to showcase their work on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube, making it easier for casting directors to discover emerging talent.

While a strong social media following can signal visibility, casting decisions ultimately rely on talent and performance. Social media has also simplified networking, fostering direct communication between actors, directors, and casting professionals. Another benefit is the real-time feedback from audiences, as well as the way these platforms amplify calls for diversity and representation in casting.

However, I always prioritise skill, authenticity, and acting ability when making casting decisions.

STP: How would you define meaningful representation in Indian cinema, beyond ticking boxes or fulfilling quotas?

SM: Stories should feel real and connect with everyday people, with characters who reflect the richness and diversity of Indian society. For instance, a female lead shouldn’t exist merely as a love interest or a pretty face; she should have ambitions, flaws, and depth of her own.

Achieving this requires diverse voices in the storytelling process—writers, directors, and actors from varied backgrounds—so that characters are multidimensional and stereotypes are challenged. When films address real societal issues while still entertaining, they not only resonate more deeply with audiences but also foster empathy and inspire change.

STP: What steps do you take to uncover talent from underrepresented communities?

SM: When it comes to uncovering talent from underrepresented communities in casting, it's all about being proactive and thoughtful. We build relationships with community arts organisations that have direct connections to local talent. We also use diverse casting
platforms and social media to make sure our casting calls reach the right people, and we often host open calls so everyone has a fair chance to showcase their abilities.

Creating a welcoming audition environment is equally important. We encourage self-tape submissions, which offer flexibility, reduce the pressure of in-person auditions, and eliminate geographical barriers—while staying true to the director’s vision.

Finally, we seek feedback from community members after each project to refine our approach. For us, it’s about building an inclusive process that leads to more authentic representation on screen.

STP: How do you design your casting process to minimise typecasting or unconscious biases?

SM: We design our casting process to minimise typecasting and unconscious bias by creating an environment rooted in fairness and intention. Our team is made up of casting assistants who are dedicated to the craft of casting rather than acting, which helps keep the focus on talent and suitability for the role.

We conduct auditions across diverse locations to widen access and emphasise skill over preconceived notions. Multiple audition rounds allow us to evaluate not just acting ability but also personality, collaboration, and sincerity toward the craft.

In this way, we build an equitable process that values individuality and creativity, ensuring actors are chosen for their authenticity rather than stereotypes.

STP: Looking ahead, how do you see casting evolving with changing audience expectations and technological advancements?

SM: As viewers increasingly demand authentic representation, we’re prioritising inclusivity, hiring actors from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring their stories are portrayed with honesty.

Advancements in technology are widening the talent pool: social media allows us to discover performers beyond traditional networks, while self-tape auditions give actors the flexibility to showcase their skills without geographical constraints.

Looking ahead, our focus is on building a casting process that celebrates individuality and complexity, creating characters that resonate with today’s audiences while positioning Indian cinema on the global stage