Mukesh Chhabra, who discovered Sushant Singh Rajput and Pankaj Tripathi, shares no-nonsense tips to act in Bollywood

Dubai: So, you want to be Bollywood’s next big thing?

Before you pack your bags for Mumbai or slide into a producer’s DMs, hear it from the horse’s mouth — the man who launched the careers of the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and that unicorn we call Pankaj Tripathi. Yes, the Mukesh Chhabra. Straight from our chat in Dubai, here are his top no-filter tips to get discovered — or dumped.

And remember, Chhabra is the anti-Joey's-agent from Friends. He’s got receipts, respect, and a Rolodex to die for — but zero tolerance for entitlement. If you want in, come with talent, tenacity, and a thick skin.

And remember: There’s only one Pankaj Tripathi. Stop trying to be him. Be you.

“I meet millions of people, and I go with my instinct,” Chhabra says.

Translation? If you walk into the room and don’t spark his sixth sense, you’re out before the audition reel rolls. He’s not swiping right unless you give that main character energy from hello.

“They’re talented, but they can’t move to Bombay [Mumbai] — that’s the problem.”

Tough love alert: If you can’t handle the humidity, heartbreak, and housing prices of Mumbai, the epic centre of Bollywood, this industry isn’t for you. Chhabra will spot your talent, but you’ve got to show up for yourself.

“80% are talented, but they’re insecure. Believe in yourself.”

Your self-doubt is louder than your monologue. Bollywood isn’t just about acting chops — it’s a mental game. Confidence is your currency. Insecurity? Rejected.

“This is not a power game. It’s a big responsibility.”

Casting directors aren’t mean girls and mean boys holding a velvet rope. Mukesh isn’t drunk on power — he’s high on responsibility. The man fights with filmmakers to make sure the right talent is cast. That’s loyalty.

“I’m not here for stars. I’m here because of new talent.”

Nepotism who? While he acknowledges the industry’s softer spot for star kids, Chhabra’s office still runs on talent, not last names. Proof? Just look at Black Warrant and Scam 1992 — where the faces were fresh and the acting, flawless.

“They’re not rejecting you. They’re rejecting the character.”

Feeling salty about rejections? Mukesh wants you to toughen up. Even legends like Jitendra Joshi and Kareena Kapoor are game for screen tests, he tells us. If they can do it, so can you. Park the ego and hit record. Learning to take rejections not personally is a life skill need to ace the Bollywood casting game.

“You’re only as good as the person you cast last.”

Forget past glory. Whether you're an actor or casting agent, you’re only as good as your last gig. Stay sharp, stay humble — or prepare to be replaced.

“If you badly shoot a good actor, you’ve failed.”

Pro tip: it’s not just what you deliver, but how it’s captured. A stellar performance needs solid direction — even at the casting level. This is why casting agents need a director’s brain too.

“I’m starting a writers’ room, working with DOPs, editors, directors.”

Mukesh isn’t just hunting for the next Pankaj Tripathi — he’s building an ecosystem. He’s producing, training casting directors, and scouting writers. So if acting’s not your lane, there are plenty of backstage doors to enter.

“I work every single day. No Diwali, no Sunday. If I take a break, I feel low.”

Call it hustle, call it madness — but if you’re not ready to marry your craft, Bollywood isn’t your soulmate. Chhabra is proof that consistent love for your job trumps overnight success.

“People think I only cast my favourites. That’s humanly impossible.”

So, if you didn’t get the part, don’t assume foul play. Maybe your audition sucked. Maybe it wasn’t your role. Either way, don’t be a sore loser — keep learning and try again.