As part of a series of regular articles, dubbed Desi Radar, in an attempt to bring to focus Desi individuals from different aspects of business, media and entrepreneurship - this month InsideDesi shines the stage light on Naila Mughal, founder of casting agency Naila Mughal Artiste, and UK Manager of internationally-renowned entertainment enterprise Cineyug.

Naila has worked alongside some of the crème of the Bollywood film industry, including John Abraham, Dino Morea, Arjun Rampal, Boman Irani, Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor; with Atif Aslam quick to label her a ‘true rockstar’. InsideDesi plays ‘Quick Fire’ with the woman bringing Bollywood to Britain.

So give us a brief on how you landed into your current role.
I wrote a fan letter to Mithun, and he invited me to his show when he came to London. We clicked and we became friends. With his help I started networking and making connections in the film industry. 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.

What has been your Career high?
I’m very proud to be the Cineyug UK Manager.

So what have you done to bring Brit-Asian talent to the Big Screen?
I’ve cast models, actors, and make-up artists, for films, TV, shows and award nights. Most of the people in the film industry know me quite well; when there is a project happening, they get in touch.

What opportunities are there for Brit-Asian talent to go into Bollywood?
Bollywood is expanding globally. In the UK, we now have more film shoots than we have ever had in the past. Upen Patel has gone to India, but the doors are opening here too. You can log onto my website on www.nailamughalartistes.com as a starting point to find out more about how to get into the industry.

Tell us about your agency ‘Naila Mughal Artistes’?
After working alongside a number of film producers and directors, they insisted that I opened up my own agency in the UK. I became one of their main contacts and they wanted to work with me more.

And about ‘Cineyug’…
The Morani’s are family to me; because of them I’ve gained so much experience in the industry. Cineyug Entertainment is responsible for TV and film production, International Bollywood concerts, award nights, celebrity endorsements, television software production, artiste management, corporate event management and also fireworks on pyrotechnics.

What has been your biggest challenge as a Casting Director?
The biggest challenge was casting the main lead opposite Arshad Warsi in Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal. It was rewarding when the director and film unit were happy with the cast I had selected.

Other than Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal, which other mainstream movies have you personally worked with?
Chocolate, I See You, Shoot on Sight, and Kaun Bola are a few I can name.

Is it hard breaking into the industry?
It can be a struggle for some people. Sometimes it’s who you know, and not what you know. It is easier for people who come from a film background, either through friends or family. I think luck and destiny also plays a part.

So what projects are you currently working on?
Currently I’m very busy with Veer - shooting started for it last month. Vijay Galani is producing, and Anil Sharma is directing. It stars Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, and Mithun Chakraborty.

You acted in a mainstream series, too. Tell us about that?
I worked on Bad Girls for 2 years. I played a very naughty prisoner. People think that being Asian you may not get a chance, but there are opportunities out there.

What kind of experience did you need?
I have done acting courses and gained experience as a supporting artist on several productions. I trained at The London Academy of Acting - my teacher was actor Gurdial Sira. I actually cast him in Goal, and recently in a new film which is still in production.

You’re UK Manager to Dino Morea. What’s he really like?
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.

Tell us about Arjun Rampal?
Arjun is very friendly with a great sense of humour. I worked with him on his film project ‘I See You’. It was fun. I enjoy doing shows with him too. If he asked me to work on another film project with him, I would take on the offer without a doubt.

How cool is Boman Irani? Is he as funny in real life as he is on-screen?
Everyone loves Boman. He is very cool, friendly, has a great sense of humour, and can be funny off-screen too. I do enjoy working with him.

‘Saif & Kareena’ - you’ve met them, and they’ve even written you a joint testimonial. Are they made for each other?
I have worked with both Saif & Kareena, and both are very nice. I can’t really say much on their personal life.

 Is Bollywood really all glitz, glam, and gloss?
That’s what people think. Working in the industry requires hard work and commitment. On stage it always looks glam, but the reality isn’t always that.

What advice can you give to people who want to get into the media?
Stay focused, work hard, and remember it’s not all glamorous. Try and get some training in acting. Go out there, and go for it.

In 5 years time, Naila Mughal will be….
…..Very, very successful.

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