Raj Changra’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. Hailing from Jaitsar in Rajasthan’s Sriganganagar district, Raj’s early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his grandmother, Shanti Devi, who worked as a sweeper in the local Gram Panchayat. To support his family, Raj took up the same job, working as a cleaning worker for seven years. Raj Changra received Dada Saheb Phalke Awards in 2023 for Best casting director Award in Mandala.
Despite the challenges, Raj harbored a passion for dance. He participated in local competitions, securing his first win in Suratgarh in 2014. This victory ignited his ambition to pursue dance professionally, leading him to Mumbai in 2017. However, the city of dreams presented its own set of challenges. With limited funds, Raj often survived on biscuits and spent nights at railway stations. During this period, he connected with fellow aspiring artists, sharing experiences and aspirations.
The turning point came when Raj decided to shift his focus from dancing to supporting other struggling artists. He began networking, introducing aspiring actors to producers and directors. His first break as a casting director came in 2018 when he earned ₹20,000 for casting roles in a short film. This success paved the way for further opportunities, and Raj soon established his own casting agency in Mira Road, Mumbai.
Through his agency, Raj has provided roles to numerous budding actors in popular television shows such as “Crime Patrol,” “Savdhaan India,” “Barrister Babu,” and “Shaadi Mubarak.” Even during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, he continued to support and provide opportunities to struggling artists.
Raj’s journey from a janitor in a small town to a prominent casting director in Bollywood is a powerful narrative of perseverance and dedication. His story serves as an inspiration to many, illustrating that with hard work and unwavering determination, one can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams.
