Exclusive! Mukesh Chhabra: We saw Ranveer's personality and were sure he's the ideal fit for Kapil Dev in 83

Even before releasing in Indian theatres, 83 has been making the waves. Ranveer Singh, especially, has become the man of the hour for playing Indian skipper Kapil Dev from the 1983 World Cup. As we converse with casting director Mukesh Chhabra about casting Ranveer as Kapil, he explains what is it about Ranveer that made the team sure that he is the ideal fit to play Kapil Dev.

Mukesh also talked about Deepika Padukone's surprise casting, bringing close to 11 lead actors on board, followed by the other actors. Excerpts from the interview...

What brief did Kabir Khan give you before you started casting for the film?

I remember we had worked together on Tubelight. That is when he told me about working on a film on the 1983 World Cup. This is a difficult project so I froze for a few minutes and went 'Oh My God'. When I was casting for Dangal, I was confident because I knew that there are two kids and two adults so it's manageable. Here, in 83, we have 11 people! We have their families, people and supporters. It was just endless.

All the actors - Ranveer, Ammy, Saqib, Tahir - have a different range as actors. What made you think they would fit in their respective roles?

I roughly knew that I would pick the actors based on the region they belong to. That is how I saw their accent, language, personality and went ahead with it. Their height and physicality also mattered. That was the research part. Then, we went ahead with the search. Say, for example, we shortlisted a few actors from Punjab. Most of my time actually went into the research. We saw Saqib (Saleem) playing cricket. Hardy (Sandhu) also does. We had a rough idea but YouTube videos helped us realise the true potential of these actors. Saqib joined, followed by Hardy and Ammy. I'm just happy that people are loving the casting. I believe that if the film is good, then everything looks good.

Did you personally follow the 1983 World Cup before coming on the project or after you were asked to join the project?

When they told me, I saw the YouTube videos. I saw how the players behave, their timings and humour among other things. It was all research material. I really hope people like the humour aspect.

Was Ranveer the first pick for Kapil Dev?

Kabir Khan was absolutely clear about wanting Ranveer as Kapil Dev. With the amount of hard work and dedication Ranveer puts in every part, his personality and physicality, made us believe in him. He can do anything as an actor. I know his whole journey and can say that he is a hardworking and dedicated boy.

Did you also work closely with the look? Since Ranveer had to enhance his look to be like Kapil Dev.

No, that was a different department. I only work on the physicality - that the height and weight should match the real-life characters, here, Kapil Dev. They are a great team who worked on the look for so many months. They look absolutely real, which is an addition to their performance.

How did Deepika come on board? Did you cast her beforehand or was it a surprise casting?

It was a surprise casting. Kabir Khan wanted to bring in the element since they are also real-life husband and wife. I found it an interesting idea. I remember suggesting Deepika and I'm glad it worked. After 10 minutes, you will forget them as Ranveer and Deepika. Instead, you will feel that you are watching Kapil Dev and his wife. I promise you, you will be so involved in the film that you will see them as great characters rather than Deepika and Ranveer.

A lot of tragic things happened in 2020, one of them was around Dil Bechaara. How did you cope and bounce back?

It's been a difficult journey. I was really lost at that point in my life. I immediately started casting since I wanted to get busy with work. So many castings happened one after another. Scam 1992 happened, followed by so many projects. The only way I thought about getting out of the situation is to keep working. I kept myself super busy and haven't stopped since. I've only been working since that is the only way I can come out of that.

Do you have more clarity while casting actors, now that you took the director's chair as well?

When you work with great filmmakers, you get more clarity in your work anyway. You understand cinema, actors, fieldwork etc. better. Now that I have seen both sides, I feel comfortable with every department. Every cast and crew member has become an important person now. I know how difficult this process is. Understanding it takes time but it is fruitful. As a filmmaker, I was a disciple. Now I'm doing everything to give my 100%.

Was that your first and last stint as a filmmaker or you do wish to explore more?

I'm definitely going to explore filmmaking more. However, I want to give 100% to casting first. The day I find a script or vice-versa, I will definitely make my next movie. I can't wait to go on set but I don't want to take over directing while I'm casting. I'm completely focused here because I have taken up so much work and need to complete them as well now.

How do you think you will manage the two together when you take up your next project as a director?

(Laughs) You can't. Casting is my first love. I will never leave or forget casting. Many people are producing and directing, acting and directing, acting and producing. I am planning to balance between casting and direction.