Mukesh Chhabra reveals how he built a profession, fought for new talent, and dreams of an Oscar for India,

It is often said that actors make films. But behind every memorable actor on screen, there is someone who first spotted the spark. In India, that someone is usually Mukesh Chhabra.
Once an aspiring actor himself, Chhabra has redefined what it means to be a casting director in Bollywood. He built a profession almost from scratch, persuading filmmakers that the right face could shape the destiny of a film. Two decades later, his instincts have introduced audiences to some of the most celebrated performers of the last decade, and his name has become synonymous with discovering fresh talent.

He recalls the early days with characteristic honesty. The first ten years, he admits, were “extremely tough.” Casting was not considered a serious role, and convincing directors of its value took persistence. But his conviction never wavered. “When I believe in an actor, I put my foot down,” he says. That stubbornness has paid off in films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Kai Po Che, Masaan and Shahid—projects that not only shaped his reputation but launched entire careers.
For Chhabra, casting is not about stardom, it is about truth. He doesn’t “cast actors,” he insists, “I cast characters.” A newcomer with no credits can be a perfect fit, while an established name might not be right at all. What he searches for is presence—the authenticity that makes a performance feel alive. It is why he cautions young actors against overcompensating in auditions. “The most common mistake is trying too hard to impress,” he explains. “Just be yourself. Simplicity always works.”
The industry itself, he observes, has evolved. Once obsessed with star power, Bollywood is increasingly open to new faces and raw talent. “Today, directors want good actors, not just big names,” he notes with satisfaction. It is a shift that has made his role all the more crucial.

Yet even as he reflects on two decades of work, Chhabra’s gaze is firmly fixed on the future. His ambition is audacious: to bring an Oscar to India for casting. He admits it sounds bold, but there is no trace of hesitation in his voice. He has always believed in working harder than everyone else—sleeping less, pushing further—and he sees no reason to stop now.
On his first visit to Melbourne, he soaks in the city’s diversity and warmth, connecting easily with the local Indian community. The energy is infectious, but it is clear that his restlessness, his hunger to build and create travels with him wherever he goes.
Mukesh Chhabra is not just a casting director. He is a talent scout, a gatekeeper, a matchmaker between story and soul. His work has already altered the course of Indian cinema, proving that the right face can change everything. And as he sets his sights on Hollywood, one suspects that his journey is far from finished. After all, the man who has given us stars is still chasing his biggest casting coup yet—an Oscar for India.

By Tonee Sethi