Mukesh Chhabra

Mukesh Chhabra is a prominent casting director, acting workshop leader, and actor based in Mumbai, known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema. He has played a crucial role in casting for numerous acclaimed films, including Vikas Bahl’s *Chillar Party*, Anurag Kashyap’s *Gangs of Wasseypur*, Abhishek Kapoor’s *Kai Po Che*, and Nikhil Advani’s *D-Day*.

Chhabra’s journey began with a degree from Delhi University, followed by an acting diploma from the Shri Ram Centre for Performing Arts. He honed his craft during a six-year period with the Theatre in Education Company (TIE), which is associated with the National School of Drama.

After relocating to Mumbai in 2007, Chhabra initially worked as an Assistant Casting Director before launching his own casting agency. His debut as an independent casting director was with the low-budget film *Chintuji*. His exceptional work on *Chillar Party* garnered him widespread recognition, leading Kashyap to enlist him for *Gangs of Wasseypur* and its sequel.

Chhabra's diverse portfolio includes films across various genres such as *Shahid*, *Chennai Express*, *Jai Ho*, *Hasee To Phasee*, and *Mastram*. He has also cast for numerous television commercials. Renowned for his innovative casting techniques, he discovered budding talent like Irfan Khan while exploring the streets of Mumbai. His democratic auditioning style has occasionally sparked controversy, but it has also led to the discovery of remarkable talents, including Rajkumar Rao, whom Chhabra championed for *Kai Po Che* and *Shahid*, showcasing his knack for identifying potential stars.