Bollywood casts wider talent net with Just Act workshops in UK
As a prolific casting director and filmmaker whose most recent projects include the Ranveer Singh starrer ‘83’ around India’s cricket World Cup win 1983 and ‘The Family Man 2’, Mukesh Chhabra has decided to expand his “intensive” acting workshops to London to encourage fresh talent into Bollywood. From sessions in London this month, the Just Act workshop module is expected to scope out talent in other international locations with a diaspora presence.
Here, the talent scout delves into the motivation behind Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company’s global foray, the magic ingredient behind acting success and future projects.
How does Just Act work and what are the future plans for this module?
Just Act is a seven-day intensive workshop curated and conducted by me. The workshop will include rigorous exercises to enhance acting and improvisation skills.
My team and I are always on an active search for fresh talent across the globe and this time we have taken it a notch higher by taking Just Act international, starting with London.
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What do you look for in fresh talent for the industry?
I always look for honesty in an artist’s performance while scouting for new talent. All great actors are honest performers and that is what I try to nurture and bring untapped talent to the audience’s screens.
What are some recent film highlights and some future projects coming up?
My recent projects include ‘83’ the film, ‘Jersey’, ‘The Great Indian Murder’, ‘The Family Man 2’ and many more, all of which have received a lot of appreciation. I also have an exciting line-up of films that I have cast for like ‘Brahmastra’, 'Shaabaash Mithu', ‘Dunki’ starring Shah Rukh Khan.
What attracted you to the world of films?
I have done a lot of theatre while I was with the National School of Drama [New Delhi], but then my interest inclined towards casting. When I started working as an assistant director in the films, my job was to do local casting as there was no designated department for a casting director.
Later, one of my mentors suggested that I take up casting as a full-fledged profession as I had a keen eye and flair for the craft. I took up a few projects here and there and then there was no looking back!
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What is your message for Indian film enthusiasts in the UK?
Practice your craft and enhance your skills. As you practice, you come to know what works for you and you should just follow that. What in your heart feels is right, that is right; and it will go a long run for you.
*Info: MCCC