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On Day 5 of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Mukesh Chhabra spoke on a number of topics. Besides shedding light on the digital future of cinema and breaking stereotypes in films, casting director Mukesh Chhabra held a class on casting in Bollywood. Here are some significant things he said:
On having rigorous auditions:
“I cast people according to the director’s brief. I wanted to help more people meet the right directors. I was assisting on Rang De Basanti and was part of it as well. I auditioned 18,000 girls for Chak De. I auditioned Rajkummar Rao 23 times for Shahid. Sushant Singh Rajput auditioned for 40 days for Kai Po Che. I am now making a movie adaptation of Fault In Our Stars with Sushant.”
God is in the details
“I work on the smallest detail of every actor. Attitude and character are important, not the face of an actor. I always find local talent because they are pure. If you are talented, don’t come to Mumbai. Keep grooming yourself and we will come to you.”
On the challenges of casting:
“It took us 10 years to convince people about casting. People had a bad impression about casting due to casting couch. There are fake people everywhere. It is important to check their backgrounds before you go for auditions.”
Talent is the only God
“Only your talent will take you further not contacts in the industry. I will work on an average actor if he fits the character. Workshops are important to develop chemistry between actors. I love casting, it gives me happiness. And when I see actors mention my name, I feel like a father.”
