Mukesh Chhabra reveals how he discovered Atiq Ahmed and Nawaz Sharif lookalikes for Dhurandhar 2, reacts to memes | Interview
Ever since Dhurandhar 2 launched in theatres final week, the dialogue is as a lot about Aditya Dhar‘s ‘detailing’ and Ranveer Singh’s efficiency as it’s in regards to the assist solid. Some of the actors taking part in characters impressed by actual figures are lifeless ringers for these figures. So a lot in order that there are theories that AI was concerned. We spoke to casting director Mukesh Chhabra about what went into casting these roles and his course of for the 2 blockbusters.
Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar 2 had been shot back-to-back in 2024-25, with Mukesh and his staff casting over 300 roles. While the primary solid, together with Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Rakesh Bedi, has earned acclaim, the supporting solid has been praised for its resemblance to the roles they play. Actors taking part in roles impressed by ISI financier Javed Khanani, former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif, and UP gangster Atiq Ahmed have befuddled audiences with their resemblance.
Mukesh Chhabra on Dhurandhar’s casting
When we inform the casting director about memes claiming the true Nawaz Sharif was employed to play ‘Nawab Shafiq’ within the movie, he laughs it off. But he does name it ‘high praise’.
Talking about how he and his staff balanced between on the lookout for actors who resembled the characters and discovering strong performers, Mukesh says, “It depends on the role. In some roles, I went for physical appearance. But for others, I needed a great performer, and then we could make them look like the character. For instance, with Atif Ahmed, I wanted him to look like Atiq Ahmed. Of course, he also needed to act. So, it had to be a mix and match of both. Then, I knew (Danish Pandor, who plays) Uzair Baloch is a great actor, and you can create his look accordingly. There, we needed a good actor first.”
The veteran casting director additionally credit the movie’s hair and make-up artist, Preetisheel Singh, for the actors’ transformations. “Preetisheel also did a great job with the hair and makeup and how she transformed those actors into the characters,” he says.
‘Praise makes me happy for casting community’
The two Dhurandhar movies have introduced renewed focus to casting in India, a hardly mentioned side of filmmaking. Talking in regards to the winds of change, Mukesh Chhabra says, “I have been casting for the last 20 years. I see the way people are now taking this job seriously and giving it a lot of love, and that makes me happy for the whole community. Not just for myself, I am also happy for Shanoo (Sharma), Karan & Nandini, Casting Bay, and my entire community. The system had been in place, and the work is finally paying off.”
Dhurandhar stars Ranveer Singh as an Indian spy in Pakistan. The first movie, which additionally starred Akshaye Khanna, Arjun Rampal, R Madhavan, and Sanjay Dutt, grossed ₹1300 crore worldwide. The sequel, which launched final week, has already grossed ₹850 crore worldwide. The two movies additionally star Rakesh Bedi, Sara Arjun, and Danish Pandore in pivotal roles.
