Celebrated casting director Mukesh Chhabra has recently been the focus of considerable attention, particularly for his acclaimed work on the film Dhurandhar. The movie, directed by Aditya Dhar and starring a diverse ensemble including Ranveer Singh, R Madhavan, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and newcomer Sara Arjun, has garnered widespread praise for its spot-on casting.
This was evident in casting seasoned star Akshaye Khanna as the real-life gangster Rehman Dakait, a role that demanded immense attention. Furthermore, the inclusion of television actors like Gaurav Gera in a serious undercover spy role, and veteran Rakesh Bedi as a Pakistani politician, showcases Chhabra’s desire to challenge audience expectations and prioritise raw acting talent over the medium.
Chhabra has consistently emphasised that he follows his instinct in casting. He sees cinema simply as “cinema” and loves the process of “creating a world” through his actors, noting that he is just as comfortable working on a children’s film like Chillar Party as a raw drama like Gangs of Wasseypur—a project that takes him back to his early days.
The release of Dhurandhar was met with a section of social media users and critics calling the film a “propaganda” piece. Mukesh Chhabra, however, has firmly and calmly responded to this criticism. He clarified that his professional focus remains solely on the craft of acting and filmmaking.
He said, “I just love working; I love cinema. I don’t work with so many opinions… I just love casting actors and creating a world. I see cinema as cinema. I just follow my instinct.”
He pointed out that the debate around the film’s nature is being countered by others and is a natural part of the creative process. His concern, he reiterated, is the performance of his actors, the integrity of the film, and his relationship with the director, choosing not to be swayed by external, often premature, negativity.
Chhabra has also recently shared his perspective on television and new actors, stating that “Television actors hold a special place in my heart.” He noted that he has discovered some of his finest talents through the small screen, encouraging aspiring performers to seize every opportunity—be it in OTT, TV, films, or theatre—because, ultimately, “work is more important than the medium” and talent knows no boundaries.
Newcomer Sara Arjun offered a heartfelt tribute to Chhabra, thanking him for his belief and vision, which she said “changed the course of my life,” proving the significant impact of his casting decisions on burgeoning careers. This highlights his commitment to giving room for actors to truly become their character.
Overall, Mukesh Chhabra’s work on Dhurandhar has cemented his reputation as one of the industry’s most perceptive casting directors. He has successfully assembled a powerful and surprising ensemble cast, all while maintaining a consistent professional philosophy that prioritises instinct, the craft of acting, and creating the world the director envisions, dismissing external noise. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
