The Intricate Process of Casting in Gujarati Cinema: Insights from Casting Director Avani Soni

Watching films is an enjoyable experience for audiences, but behind every great performance lies a careful and deliberate casting process. In the Gujarati film industry, casting plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the right actor portrays each character, making the storytelling authentic and impactful. One such film that stands out in terms of casting is Kaashi Raaghav, a highly emotional and unique Gujarati movie set to release on January 3rd.

Produced by Dhanpal Films under the guidance of Dhanpal Shah, Kaashi Raaghav is directed by Dhruv Goswami and stars Deeksha Joshi and Jayesh More in the lead roles. Alongside them, Shruhad Goswami and child artist Pihushree Gadhvi also feature prominently in the film. The casting for this film is unlike any other, with a particular focus on authenticity, language fluency, and emotional depth. The film is a mix of Gujarati and Bengali, making the casting process even more challenging yet rewarding. The person responsible for making these decisions is the highly respected casting director, Avani Soni.

Avani Soni: The Experienced Casting Director

Avani Soni has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted casting directors in the Gujarati film industry. Her career began at the young age of 22, and she has since become known for her work on popular films such as Love Ni Love Stories, Bachubhai, Tamburo, and Chhuti Jaayega Chhakka. With over 300 artists cast across India, Avani has a wealth of experience working not just in films but also in Indian non-fiction television. In 2010, she established her talent management company, FATC – Events and Entertainment, which has further solidified her presence in the industry.

The Casting Process for Kaashi Raaghav

For Kaashi Raaghav, Avani Soni was tasked with casting for a story that blended different cultures and required deep emotional engagement from its cast. The film’s director, Dhruv Goswami, provided her with an initial glimpse of the script, giving her a clear understanding of the film’s tone and the unique demands of its characters. Since the film involves a mix of Gujarati and Bengali dialogues, Avani knew that the casting would be a bit more complex than usual.

Avani explains, “The film features a blend of Gujarati and Bengali, and we needed actors who could fluently speak Bengali. This was a unique challenge, but it also made the process more enjoyable.” The search for the right actors didn’t stop at language fluency; it extended to finding individuals who could embody the emotional depth required by the script.

Deeksha Joshi’s Role as Kaashi

One of the standout casting decisions in Kaashi Raaghav is Deeksha Joshi’s portrayal of the character Kaashi. The character of Kaashi is a prostitute, a role that demands great sensitivity and skill to perform convincingly. Deeksha’s selection for the role was a result of her demonstrated talent and the director’s clear vision for the character.

“There were other options for the role of Kaashi,” says Avani, “but when Dhruv saw a glimpse of Deeksha’s work in a short film, he instantly felt that Deeksha embodied the essence of Kaashi. She was perfect for the role, and I agreed with the choice. Playing a prostitute is not easy, but Deeksha’s performance will captivate the audience.”

Before casting for Kaashi Raaghav, Avani ensures that she thoroughly understands the script and the character arcs. She believes that casting is a critical element of filmmaking, accounting for at least 51% of a film’s success. After carefully studying the script, she collaborates with the director to choose the actors who will bring the story to life in the most authentic way possible.

The Search for a Child Artist

Another memorable part of the casting process for Kaashi Raaghav was selecting the right child artist for Kaashi’s daughter. The film’s producers and director wanted an innocent, authentic portrayal of the character, which led to a thorough audition process. Avani and her team auditioned 52 child artists from various cities, including Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Ultimately, Pihushree Gadhvi from Ahmedabad was selected, just three days before the film’s shoot began.

“This role required a child artist with innocence and purity, and Pihushree was perfect for it,” says Avani. “Her performance adds an extra layer of emotion to the film.”

Behind-the-Scenes Effort and Actor Dedication

Both Deeksha Joshi and Jayesh More went above and beyond to immerse themselves in their roles. Deeksha dedicated 3-4 months to learning Bengali to ensure that her portrayal of Kaashi was authentic. She worked closely with the direction team to study the behavior, speech, and body language of people from areas like Sonagachi and Kamathipura, areas depicted in the film.

Jayesh More, who plays Raaghav, also made significant sacrifices for the role. Avani notes, “Jayesh took time off from his regular work to dedicate himself fully to the role. He even received special training to drive a truck, which was essential for his character. His commitment to the role is reflected in his outstanding performance.”

The commitment of the entire cast, including Shruhad Goswami and child artist Pihushree Gadhvi, helped bring the story of Kaashi Raaghav to life in the most authentic way possible.