Why should a casting director defend himself?” Questions Thappad actor Harssh A Singh on ‘Paatal Lok’ controversy

People can’t stop talking about “Paatal Lok”. Co-produced by Anushka Sharma, the show has become the talk of the town for its gripping storyline and an applause-worthy performance by the star cast. However, the new series is also being discussed as some people have criticised the casting director for getting people from his own agency on-board.

Abhishek Banerjee, who is the casting director of the show along with Anmol Ahuja, played the role of Hathoda Tyagi in the film. While his performance has been praised a lot, a section of the media was not happy with him acting in the show. 
Abhishek and Anmol both have maintained that it’s not their call and the director takes the final decision. “Thappad” actor Harssh A Singh has come in support of the duo and asked that why should a casting director defend himself. 
Harssh, who was casted by Anmol and Abhishek for “Tu Hai Mera Sunday”, said, “I have known Anmol for a long time. He casted me for ‘Tu Hai Mera Sunday’. After ‘Pataal Lok’ came out, I saw a long post by him on Facebook explaining how actors were casted for the show. And I thought, why should a casting director defend himself? Why is he being accused for casting his people? I mean, they should understand that the director is not a fool and he has his own vision if he is directing a show/film.”

Though the actor accepts that there are some people from Abhishek and Anmol’s casting agency, he feels that it’s ultimately the director’s call. 
Harssh said, “I have just seen the first episode and I saw a girl playing a hawaldar who is associated with Abhishek and Anmol. I have heard that there are other people as well. But even if they have got their own people on-board, it’s the director’s final call. And looking at the success of the show, I can say that the director made the right choice.”