Mukesh Chhabra: Dont Need To Chase Stars Anymore - FPJ Exclusive

Mukesh Chhabra is undoubtedly the most recognizable casting director in the industry, with a portfolio filled with blockbuster hits such as Bajrangi Bhaijan (2015), Dangal (2016), Scam 1992 (2020), Jawan (2023), Dhurandhar (2025) and Dhurandhar: The Revenge (2026). At the recent FICCI FRAMES 2026 event, the Free Press Journal met Chhabra to discuss the challenges he faces in his career.

Chhabra mentioned that while directors often ask him to think outside the box, he finds it difficult to consistently deliver something unique for each project. However, the casting director acknowledged that the industry has changed, making his job easier in a way. The rise of OTT platforms has opened up opportunities for discovering new talent, reducing his need to hunt down established stars.

Chhabra believes this shift in the industry has led to a greater emphasis on casting authentic and relatable actors, as audiences now crave genuine performances. He highlighted the success of actors like Vijay Varma and Rasika Duggal, who have gained popularity due to their authentic portrayals. Chhabra also revealed that he will only take on casting jobs once he has received the full script, as he needs to thoroughly understand the requirements for each role he is casting.