Mukesh Chhabra Opens Up About Casting Sara Arjun in ‘Dhurandhar’: From 1,000 Auditions to the Final Pick
In a revealing new episode of The Right Angle with Sonal Kalra, renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra gave fans a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the character of Yalina was cast for the espionage action thriller Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar. The role, which is central to the storyline as the daughter of Jameel Jamali and Hamza’s wife, required a fresh face who could naturally fit into the world of the film.
Chhabra explained that the team had a very clear vision: “Hum log bohot clear the, ki poori duniya mein woh fresh ladki lagni chahiye ki jiska koi background naa ho… That’s the whole idea.” They wanted authenticity over celebrity, ensuring that Yalina felt like a real character rather than an already-recognizable star.
The casting process was exhaustive. Over a thousand girls auditioned for the role, and through multiple elimination rounds—30 to 20, then 10, 5, 3, and finally one—they narrowed the selection. Chhabra shared that each candidate was tested on key scenes, including a pivotal moment where the character asks, “Are you a Hindustani agent?” to see how convincingly they could embody Yalina’s personality and presence.
When it came to Sara Arjun, Chhabra revealed that her audition immediately stood out. He sent her clip to Aditya Dhar, who reportedly asked, “Kaun hai yeh?” Initially, there were concerns about whether she might be too short for the role, but her performance and chemistry with Ranveer Singh’s character ultimately won the team over. “She gave a kick-ass audition… and you’ll know why we took that girl,” he said, teasing that the audition footage will soon be made public.
Chhabra also highlighted how important it was for the character to feel like a natural part of the story’s world. “Mere pe bohot brief clear tha, completely fresh… aur audition ke dauraan humne dekha ki kaun kaise react karta hai, kaun natural lagta hai, kaun comfortable hai camera ke saamne,” he explained. This meticulous attention to detail ensured that Yalina’s role had the emotional weight and authenticity required for the film’s narrative.
The episode offered fans a deeper appreciation for the painstaking efforts that go into casting pivotal roles. From auditioning over a thousand hopefuls to discovering Sara Arjun’s standout talent, it underscored the careful planning and vision behind every casting decision in a high-stakes cinematic project like Dhurandhar.
This behind-the-scenes glimpse not only celebrates Sara Arjun’s journey to the role but also showcases the artistry and insight of a casting director in shaping memorable characters that resonate with audiences.
