Casting Director Shivam Gupta on Haq: We wanted real people, not performers

In filmmaking, casting is often the quiet foundation that holds a story together. It is not about assembling names, but about finding people who can inhabit a world truthfully. Casting director Shivam Gupta approaches his work with this belief at the core, choosing emotional honesty over performance, and balance over bravado. His recent work on Haq, starring Yami Gautam Dhar and Emraan Hashmi, reflects this instinct clearly.

Shivam says the socio-legal drama, directed by Suparn S Varma and inspired by the 1985 Shah Bano case verdict, came to him at a moment when he was searching for purpose-driven storytelling. He recalls, “When the director narrated the story, I immediately felt the emotional weight of it.”

He explains that the casting brief was rooted in realism rather than theatrics. He says, “The brief was simple yet powerful. We want real people, not performers. The film lives in its emotional truth, so every casting decision had to come from a place of honesty.”

Speaking about the lead cast, Shivam reflects on what Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam Dhar brought to the narrative. He says, “Emraan carries a natural intensity that cannot be taught. There is always a silent storm in his eyes, and Haq needed that depth and unpredictability.”

On Yami, he adds, “She has an incredible ability to bring vulnerability and strength together. She understands the tonality of the narrative and shapes her performance with sensitivity. Together, they grounded the film with emotional maturity and balance.”

While the leads anchor the film, Shivam is equally firm about the importance of every role, regardless of its size. He believes casting is about building a complete ecosystem rather than spotlighting a few faces. “Every single actor brings something unique to the film, something only they can offer. For me, no role is small and no actor is secondary. A film is built moment by moment, and every actor contributes to its emotional fabric. Whether someone has one scene or twenty, their truth and commitment make the story come alive.”

Apart from Haq, another project close to Shivam’s heart is Sirf Ek Bandaa Kaafi Hai, the courtroom drama starring Manoj Bajpayee and based on advocate PC Solanki’s legal battle in the 2013 Asaram Bapu case. Coincidentally, both films explore justice through deeply human lenses. Currently, Shivam is working on several films and OTT projects, details of which he prefers to keep under wraps. “Each one is different in tone and scale, and that keeps me creatively alive,” he says.

Alongside casting, Shivam has also stepped into production, backing films such as Laar (2023), Rhino Charge, Two Sinners (2024), and Songs of Forgotten Trees (2025). He is now developing two stories that are deeply personal to him. “I want to make films that have honesty at their core, stories that stay with the audience long after the credits roll,” he shares.

Coming from a modest household in Agra, Shivam views his journey with gratitude rather than triumph. Reflecting on his path, he says, “My journey is a reminder that if your intention is honest and your effort consistent, the industry eventually embraces you.”





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