Rajkumar Hirani auditions everyone, says Mukesh Chhabra, even those who have one line: ‘Whether they are actors or stars..’

After films like PK and Sanju, Mukesh Chhabra has now collaborated with Rajkumar Hirani on Dunki, which is headlined by Shah Rukh Khan.

By: Entertainment Desk

Mumbai | Updated: December 3, 2023 03:40 PM IST

Mukesh Chhabra opens up about the process of Rajkumar Hirani. (Photo: Mukesh Chhabra/Instagram, screengrab)

Perfection is the middle name of filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani. Casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who has worked with the filmmaker in PK, Sanju and now Shah Rukh Khan’s Dunki, says the director is a meticulous helmer who knows exactly what he wants and won’t settle for anything ordinary.

Hirani, one of the biggest names of the Indian film industry, has worked with stars like Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh, Ranbir Kapoor and Sanjay Dutt. Chhabra says when it comes to his casting, Hirani auditions “everyone”.

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“Whether they are actors or stars. He says, ‘Let’s do a screen test, look test and see how it looks.’ If there is an actor in the background who has just one speaking line, he will audition even that person. It is very important for him because he knows that the actor’s shot will be there in the film, so he auditions everyone, including the ones which have just one line in the film.

“Other directors will visualise, but Hirani sir will request you to make him see that. If an actor has to say just this, ‘Take a left from there,’ Hirani sir will ask for his audition as well!” Chhabra told The Lallantop.

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The casting director said Rajkumar Hirani and his writing partner Abhijat Joshi are also extremely particular about their writing– with little room for any improvisation of their material.

“He writes so well, he doesn’t like improvisations. He wants the actor to say exactly what he has written. Both him and Abhijat are very particular about their writing. I have read 25 drafts of their films, and you have to read the scripts at Raju sir’s office only. You are given a draft, you make notes, give feedback with a pencil and then they meet you to discuss,” he added.

Dunki, headlined by Shah Rukh, is gearing up for a global release on December 21. It will be the third outing of Khan this year, after Pathaan and Jawan.

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