A special Masterclass Series has been started at the 56^th International Film festival of India (IFFI) 2025 with the opening session by the renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra. The series, designed for students of the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata, the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) of Pune, and FTII Itanagar, aims at bringing together aspiring film professionals from the three national film institutes for a collaborative learning experience.

According to an official statement on the ongoing film festival in Goa, the Masterclass Series, held on November 22, commenced with an extensive session on ‘The Process of Casting’, at Kala Academy in Goa. Mukesh Chhabra, celebrated for a body of work that includes ‘Dangal’, ‘Chhichhore’, ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, and ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, shared a detailed overview of the art and craft of casting.

He explained how the process goes beyond simply selecting actors and involves understanding characters deeply, identifying authentic talent, and shaping performances that strengthen the emotional core of a film.

Chhabra emphasised the role of casting in bridging the director’s vision and the actor’s interpretation, while also highlighting the importance of intuition, observation and sensitivity in discovering performers.

Students engaged actively during the session, seeking guidance on industry practices, character breakdowns and audition processes. Chhabra encouraged them to approach cinema with honesty, discipline and curiosity, reminding them that every role, big or small, contributes to the larger narrative of a film.

He shared his insights into the casting practices including career guidance and practical tips for aspiring actors and filmmakers.

The session set a constructive and inspiring tone for the Masterclass Series, which will continue till November 27. Over the next few days, leading industry professionals from diverse fields — including directing, screenwriting, cinematography, sound design and production — will conduct interactive sessions aimed at strengthening professional skills and creative confidence among students.