Mukesh Chhabra Praises Photographer Jay Samuel, Announces London Return In May
The celebrated casting director shares appreciation for a striking portrait in playful post
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In a lighthearted Instagram post, renowned Bollywood casting director Mukesh Chhabra has publicly praised photographer Jay Samuel while simultaneously announcing his upcoming return to London in May. The post features a striking portrait of Chhabra, showcasing the photographer’s skill in capturing his subject.
In his caption, Chhabra playfully questioned, “Kya hai?? @jaysamuelstudio Why did you take such a nice picture? Now get ready to take more I’m coming back in May 😡🥰.” The post reflects both Chhabra’s appreciation for the portrait and his humorous way of announcing his return to London, where he’ll likely collaborate with the photographer again.
London Calling: Chhabra’s ‘Just Act Tour’ Returns
The timing of this announcement aligns perfectly with Chhabra’s recently revealed plans for his “Just Act Tour 2025” in London. According to his previous Instagram post, the workshop is scheduled for May 19th-25th, 2025. The tour is designed to discover new acting talent, with the promotional material boldly stating, “The man who cast half of Bollywood is coming to find the NEXT STAR, Maybe it’s YOU!”
This London workshop continues Chhabra’s mission of nurturing acting talent through his popular “Just Act” series of workshops, which he conducts regularly in Mumbai as well. His workshops are highly sought after by aspiring actors looking to break into the Indian film industry.
The Man Behind Bollywood’s Biggest Discoveries
For those unfamiliar with his work, Mukesh Chhabra is one of India’s most influential casting directors, known for his exceptional eye for talent. He has been responsible for casting numerous critically acclaimed films, including “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Kai Po Che,” “Highway,” and “Dangal.”
Chhabra made his directorial debut with the 2020 film “Dil Bechara,” which starred the late actor Sushant Singh Rajput and Sanjana Sanghi. The film was released posthumously after Rajput’s death and became a significant emotional moment for Indian cinema fans.
Through his company, Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company (MCCC), he has revolutionized the casting process in Bollywood, moving away from the traditional approach to a more methodical system that prioritizes acting talent over connections or appearance.
Busy Season For The Casting Maestro
Chhabra’s announcement about returning to London comes during a particularly busy period for him. His recent Instagram activity shows he’s currently promoting several upcoming workshops, including a Mumbai edition of “Just Act” scheduled for April 21-27, 2025, at his MCCC Studio in Versova.
He’s also launching a summer theatre workshop for kids called “Nanhi Khidkiyaan” (Small Windows), running from May 5th to June 7th, 2025, aimed at children aged 8-16 years. The workshop promises to cover acting, storytelling, confidence-building, and stage presence.
In another recent post, Chhabra shared an emotional tribute marking the second anniversary of his mother’s passing on April 13, showing the personal side of the busy professional.
MCCC: A Family Legacy
Interestingly, Chhabra recently celebrated his father T.C. Chhabra’s birthday, acknowledging him as “the silent pillar behind Mukesh Chhabra Casting Company.” In his tribute, he credited his father’s values, strength, and unwavering support as the foundation for everything he has built.
The casting director has also been receiving appreciation from filmmakers. In a recent post, someone from the team of “Pyaar Ka Professor” thanked Chhabra for his guidance and faith in their project, highlighting his reputation for nurturing talent both on and off the screen.
As Chhabra prepares for his return to London in May, fans and aspiring actors alike will undoubtedly be keeping an eye on his social media for more details about his upcoming workshops and projects, with photographer Jay Samuel likely ready to capture more striking portraits of the casting maestro during his visit.
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