Before making his mark as an actor, Abhishek Banerjee started working as an assistant casting director in the industry. He is best known for casting in films like Phillauri, Luka Chuppi, Kalank and many others. When he sat down to chat on mid-day’s podcast series The Bombay Film Story, he admitted he kickstarted his career in casting to get in touch with filmmakers and find work.

Abhishek Banerjee on facing rejections

Abhishek always aspired to become an actor. When asked if casting direction was a way to gain access to filmmakers, pat came the reply, “Yes. I was not getting any access to directors anyway, but if I am a casting assistant I get some. I am sitting with directors, filmmakers, and they are hearing my cues and dialogues. I expected maybe that lands me a role, and it happened.”

He further added, “Milan Luthria offered me a role in Once Upon a Time in Mumbai. That role eventually went to Anjum Sharma. Something happened and they changed their mind, and the role went to someone else. I thought it’s going to be easy, but it was difficult. I was not able to crack the auditions I went for.”