Delhi-born Punjabi actor and casting director Nikita Grover laughs when she describes how her career unfolded. “Acting came first,” says Nikita, who has cast for projects like Kohraa, and as additional casting for Paatal Lok. “I was doing theatre in Delhi. Moving to Mumbai felt like the natural next step.”But casting, she admits, happened by chance. “I approached a casting director for work — and I didn’t even pitch myself as an actor. I just said I wanted to assist or help. They hired me almost immediately. That’s how casting began, and it never really stopped.”Her first noticeable acting break came unexpectedly during auditions. “I was reading lines opposite actors who were auditioning. A director saw me perform and offered me a part. That’s how it happened.” While she had done smaller roles before, she says Paatal Lok was the first-time audiences clearly noticed her. “Acting is what I want more of,” she says firmly. “Casting feeds my craft, but performance feeds my soul.”Contrary to popular opinion of repeating casts with previous success stories, as a casting director Nikita resists predictability. Referring to Kohrra, she says, “We wanted to surprise people. Casting someone like Rannvijay Singha or Rana Ranbir in unexpected roles was deliberate. And yes, they auditioned for the role. Everyone should audition — even established actors.” She adds that some decisions are maker-led. “For instance, Mona Singh was in the makers’ minds, but we still did readings and explored options.”Comparing formats, she says web series are tougher. “A film may have 30–40 roles. A web show can have 150 to 300 characters. It’s exhausting but creatively liberating.”Despite her growing portfolio, insecurity remains. “Casting is unpredictable. I’ve struggled. Sudeep Sharma, (producer of Paatal Lok and Kohrra) is one of the few who has consistently given me work. I’m currently working on his next show.”However, being a casting director, especially in new age entertainment landscape as a youngster exposed to a million works, has taken the charm from enjoying as audience. “I can’t watch content like a regular viewer anymore. I’m constantly analysing casting choices,” she adds. Currently in Chandigarh, Grover is casting a Punjabi film directed by Amarjit Saro starring Ammy Virk. “Punjabi cinema often recycles the same set of actors. There’s so much untapped local talent, but the industry can feel closed, says Nikita who has also acted in Punjabi films like Kali Jotta, Ik Kudi etc.
