Mukesh Chhabra applauds OTT’s role in nurturing new talent

Renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra, who has worked on over 300 films and is credited with introducing several promising actors to Indian cinema, expressed his excitement about the OTT revolution while attending the E4M Play Streaming Media Awards 2025. Chhabra, known for his keen eye for talent, emphasized how the emergence of OTT platforms has transformed casting dynamics and created endless opportunities for fresh faces.

“I am very, very, very excited because the subtle wave of OTT in our industry, in our country is amazing. New talent, new directors, new producers—and so many new people we get to see in OTT,” Chhabra remarked. He expressed his delight at being part of an initiative that continues to celebrate and spotlight emerging talent. “I am a small part of it, and I am going to meet a lot of people. I am very happy to be here,” he added enthusiastically.

When asked about the difference between casting for OTT and films, Chhabra highlighted the greater freedom OTT platforms provide to experiment and introduce new talent. “When I am working for OTT, I have full freedom to find new talent. I can bring in so many new faces, new directors, new writers, new DOPs, new editors,” he said.

In contrast, he pointed out that in films, the scope for fresh casting is often more limited. “When I am working for films, sometimes they have already started, but in OTT, you can bring in new talent every time for every show. The process and hard work are more intense in OTT because you have to keep finding fresh talent,” he explained.

In a lighter moment, Chhabra was asked which classic film he would choose to recast with today’s actors. His response was rooted in deep respect for cinematic history. “I don’t want to recast any classic film because we are known because of all the classic films. So I don’t want to touch any Sholay, Mughal-e-Azam, or Mother India. Let’s not touch the classic films,” he stated firmly, expressing his reverence for India’s cinematic legacy.

Reflecting on E4M’s contribution to the industry, Chhabra expressed his admiration for its legacy and success. “I am very, very, very happy. It has been 25 years for E4M, and they are doing really, really, really well,” he said. In a lighthearted conclusion, he quipped, “Please call me when it will be 50 years. I am really looking forward to that!”