Casting director and filmmaker Mukesh Chhabra has shared advice for aspiring actors, urging them to focus on developing their acting skills before moving to Mumbai in pursuit of opportunities in the Hindi film industry.
Chhabra made the remarks during an appearance on actor Shekhar Suman’s chat show Shekhar Tonite, where he stressed that Mumbai could teach an artist patience but could not substitute for talent or preparation.
“Until you feel you are fully prepared, you shouldn’t come to Bombay and try. You should work on your craft. Bombay doesn’t teach you work, it teaches you patience,” Chhabra said.
He recalled how actors arriving in Mumbai often attempt to learn multiple skills while neglecting the most important one — acting.
“You should know how to work, that’s why you came to Bombay,” he said, adding that professionals in other fields could help actors with areas such as physical training, appearance, hair and styling.
“If you are a good actor, the producer will teach you boxing. The doctors will fix your skin. The hair stylist will cut your hair. The designer will craft your outfit,” Chhabra said.
Chhabra is among Hindi cinema’s prominent casting directors and has also worked as an actor and filmmaker. He trained at Delhi’s Shri Ram Centre before establishing himself in the film industry.
His casting credits include films such as Gangs of Wasseypur, Rockstar, Kai Po Che!, Haider, Dangal and Jawan. His work on Gangs of Wasseypur, in particular, helped bring wider attention to its large ensemble cast, including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Richa Chadda, Huma Qureshi and Jaideep Ahlawat.
Chhabra has also been associated with identifying or introducing performers including Rajkummar Rao, Sushant Singh Rajput, Mrunal Thakur, Pratik Gandhi, Sanya Malhotra and Fatima Sana Shaikh.