Mukesh Chhabra

Mukesh Chhabra
Born	27 May 1984 Delhi, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Casting director, filmmaker, actor
Years active	2006–present
Education	Acting and theatre training
Known for	Casting landmark Hindi films and directing Dil Bechara

Mukesh Chhabra is an Indian casting director, filmmaker and actor, best known for his contribution to modern Hindi cinema through casting critically and commercially successful films. Over nearly two decades, he has been responsible for identifying and shaping talent in some of Bollywood’s most influential projects, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s most trusted casting professionals.

Early life and education

Mukesh Chhabra was born on 27 May 1984 in Delhi. He developed an early interest in theatre and performance and trained at the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts. He later spent six years with the Theatre in Education (TIE) Company, associated with the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. This experience exposed him to acting, teaching, and performance theory, which later informed his casting philosophy.

Career

Casting career

Chhabra began his film career in 2006 as an assistant casting director with Rang De Basanti. His association with filmmakers who emphasized realism helped him develop a casting style focused on authenticity and performance depth.

He gained wider recognition with the casting of Rockstar (2011), directed by Imtiaz Ali. This was followed by a series of high-profile projects including Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Bombay Velvet (2015), and Dangal (2016). His work on Dangal was particularly noted for introducing and training new performers for physically demanding roles.

In 2020, he handled casting for the web series Scam 1992, which became one of India’s most critically acclaimed streaming shows and brought national recognition to several actors.

Direction

Mukesh Chhabra made his directorial debut with Dil Bechara (2020), starring Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi. The film, released shortly after Rajput’s death, became a major cultural moment and was widely viewed upon release.

Acting

In addition to casting and directing, Chhabra has appeared as an actor in films and web series. His acting credits include Gangs of Wasseypur – Part 2, Jawan (2023), Chamak (2023), and Kafas (2023). His on-screen appearances often feature supporting or character roles.

Recent work

In the 2020s, Chhabra continued to cast and appear in major Hindi films such as Laal Singh Chaddha (2022), Commando (2023), Jawan (2023), and Dunki (2023). He is also associated with upcoming projects including Deva (2025) and Ramayana Part 1 (2026), both of which involve large ensemble casts.

Awards and recognition

Mukesh Chhabra received the Stardust Award for Special Recognition to a Casting Director in 2016 for his contribution to Hindi cinema. His work is widely acknowledged for shaping new talent and redefining the role of casting directors in Bollywood.

Impact

Chhabra is regarded as a key figure in the professionalization of casting in Indian cinema. His approach emphasizes performance training, long auditions, and character alignment rather than surface-level casting. For many actors, being cast through his office has been a major career milestone.

Personal life

Mukesh Chhabra maintains a low public profile regarding his personal life and is known to focus primarily on his professional work in cinema and theatre.