Meet Naila Mughal, the lady who can make your Bollywood dreams come true
BY SUPRIYA DAVDA | MAY 18, 2009
Q. Tell us how you got into Bollywood and then managed to get into scouting for talent?
A. When I was younger I wrote a fan letter to actor Mithun and he invited me to his show when he came to London. From then on we became friends and with his support I started networking and making connections in the film industry. Mithun is now a family friend. Then one day, my sisters and I got noticed by Mohomad Morani from Cineyug Entertainment and we landed our first project. All the directors of Cineyug, Mohomad, Ali and Karim Morani, were so impressed with the results that they welcomed us into the family. Our first project we got involved in, was the 23 and a Half Days of Bollywood at London Selfridges. A bit later director Vivek Agnihotri then gave me the opportunity to become a casting director for Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. I did all the UK casting for the film, including the role of Zehra Naqvi opposite Arshad Warsi.
Q. What have you done to bring Brit-Asian talent onto the silver screen of Bollywood?
A. Popularly many Bollywood films are being shot in UK and are continuing to do so. In result I work to bridge the gap between British actors and Bollywood. Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, Shoot On Sight, Kaun Bola are a few to name of films that I have worked on. Currently I'm a UK production manager for Salman Khan's Veer. I would recommend Brit-talent such as actors, supporting artistes, dancers and models should join up to my agency to gain opportunities to get up close and personal with the world Bollywood.
Q. How is your selection process?
A. First of all I tend to analyse the script, and character description. When I see the actor, the qualities I look for, is their acting ability, how they look in front of the camera, how they come across, dialogue delivery and if they fit the criteria. You instantly know when you have found the right actor for the role. Sometimes it can also take time to find someone that fits the part.
Q. Do you offer any training?
A. Actors should gain some form of training through acting courses. Nothing also beats first hand experience by giving new actors and models as many opportunities to work in the world of entertainment.
Q. What opportunities are there for aspiring British actors to get into Bollywood?
A. It's an exciting time. More Bollywood films are being shot in the UK, creating great opportunities for home grown talent. The doors are opening for British actors right here in teh UK itself. Some of my artistes have also had an opportunity to go to India for shooting, like the artistes in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. I also sent make up artistes to India for the shoot of Veer.
Q. Tell us more about Naila Mughal Artiste Agency?
A. Naila Mughal Artistes Agency is an agency which specializes in supplying actors, supporting artistes and walk-ons for film and television productions. We supply models for photographic and modeling assignments, dancers for film productions and stage shows, and make up artistes for film productions and stage shows. As I have a close link with the Bollywood film industry, I was approached by producers and directors in Bollywood to bring an agency together for films shot in UK, and for when British actors are required in India.
Q. What about your role with Cineyug?
A. Morani?s are family to me; because of them I?ve gained so much experience in the film industry. I'm a Cineyug UK manager, I really enjoy working with Cineyug and always work with full commitment and motivation. Cineyug Entertainment entails of TV and film production, international Bollywood concerts, award nights, celebrity endorsements, television software production, artiste management, corporate event management and also fireworks on pyrotechnics.
Q. Is it true you are the UK and Europe Manager for Dino Morea?s?
A. I worked on a couple of events with Dino, and we got on really well. He was very impressed with my commitment and hard work. I handle all his work in UK and Europe. Dino is a humble guy. He is very professional, hardworking, and disciplined. Working with him is a great bonus. As an actor, Dino has lots of potential.
Q. What are your biggest challenges as a casting director?
A. Selecting the right actor for the role, and ensuring that producer and director are happy with result.
Q. What facets? of this job are most and least appealing?
A. Most appealing is the buzz and excitement, and least appealing is long hours and no sleep from time to time.
Q. Who do you most like working with from the Indian film industry?
A. I have a good relationship with most of the film industry and enjoy working with everyone.
Q. How would you describe Bollywood?
A. On a positve note Bollywood is getting bigger and bigger and is now globally known all over the world. On a negative note Bollywood can be very political.
Q. What is your success mantra?
A. Work hard, stay positive, and believe in yourself.
