Mukesh Chhabra is no stranger to drama—he’s the man behind the scenes, shaping some of the most powerful on-screen performances in Hindi cinema. As one of Bollywood’s most respected casting directors, Mukesh has been instrumental in launching fresh talent and curating unforgettable ensembles for films like Gangs of Wasseypur, Dangal, Chhichhore, and Tamasha. He also made his directorial debut with Dil Bechara, the last film of the late Sushant Singh Rajput, which continues to hold a special place in the hearts of audiences.But in a surprising turn, Mukesh recently stepped into the spotlight in a completely different way—as a contestant on The Traitors, the Indian reality show hosted by Karan Johar. Known for its psychological twists and high-stakes betrayals, the show eliminated Mukesh in a recent episode, making him the latest to exit the game.In an exclusive interview with ETimes following his elimination, Mukesh opened up about the emotional aftermath of the show and how it echoed some painful moments from his own life.“One of my biggest learnings from the show is that you really can’t trust anyone—not even the people you eat, sit, or roam around with,” he shared. “You never know who’s actually betraying you or who the real traitor is.”When asked if he had ever experienced betrayal in real life, Mukesh didn’t hold back.“In real life, I’ve felt betrayed many times,” he admitted. “But one instance that really hurt was during ‘Dil Bechara’. I had entrusted one of my casting assistants to look after my company while I was away making the film. When I returned, I found he had taken away all my data and secretly opened his own casting company. I was shocked. I had literally groomed that child in front of me. It felt like a stab in the back.”The pain in his voice is unmistakable—but so is his resilience. Even though he faced elimination early in the show, Mukesh says he’d return in a heartbeat if given a wildcard entry.“100%! Now I know how to play the game,” he said with a smile.Mukesh’s experience on The Traitors wasn’t just about gameplay—it became a mirror to deeper truths about trust, loyalty, and the unpredictability of human nature. And whether it’s in cinema or real life, his journey continues to prove that even the most seasoned storytellers have chapters of pain, betrayal, and surprising lessons to share.
