"I’d cast Jugal Hansraj, Pankaj Tripathi, Kiara Advani as Traitors—they come across as so positive and happy"- Mukesh Chhabra gets real about betrayal, game play and losing on The Traitors

Famous Bollywood casting director Mukesh Chhabra—known for launching stars namely late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, Vicky Kaushal, Sanya Malhotra, Mrunal Thakur, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Tripti Dimri, recently made his reality TV debut on The Traitors. However, fans were left stunned when he was unexpectedly eliminated from the show. In this exclusive chat with ETimes, Mukesh opens up about betrayal, the sting of losing, his unexpected learnings, and the Bollywood actors he'd cast as traitors and innocents.

“It Was an Amazing Experience, Very Different From Anything I’ve Done”

Mukesh sir, though your exit came early, how would you describe your experience on The Traitors?It was a very good, amazing experience. What a brilliant show! It opens up all the holes in your mind—it’s very different from anything else. This was my first reality show ever, and I’m really happy that I started this part of my career with The Traitors.

“I Was Really Hurt… Even a Game of Ludo Hurts When You Lose”

Though it’s part of the game’s format, how did you feel when you got the draw?Oh, I felt very, very, very bad. You know how you feel bad after losing even simple games at home, like Ludo or Gully Cricket? It still hurts. So yes, for a couple of days I was quite upset. But then I convinced myself—it’s just a game. Still, when you’re betrayed—even in a game—it stings. Whether it’s Chess, Football, or The Traitors, it’s human to feel hurt.

I was really affected, but I came to terms with it eventually.

“I’d 100% Go Back – Now I Know How to Play”

If the show allowed a wild card entry, would you consider returning?100%! And this time, I know exactly how to play. I’ve figured out the format and the mindset you need.

“My Biggest Learning? Don’t Trust Anyone—Not Even the Ones You Eat and Laugh With”

What did you learn from the game?That you shouldn’t trust anyone—not even the people you’re eating, sitting, or roaming around with. You never know who’s betraying you. That’s the biggest lesson 'The Traitors' has taught me.It’s made me rethink how I view trust and relationships.

“I Love Karan Johar—We’ve Worked on So Many Films Together”

What’s your personal equation with Karan Johar?I love Karan. We’ve worked on so many Dharma films together—short films and features. We share a great professional relationship, and I have a lot of respect for him.

“If I Had to Cast a ‘Traitor’ in Bollywood…”

If you had to cast Bollywood actors as traitors and innocents, who would you choose?(Laughs) That’s a tricky one! Honestly, everyone seems innocent at first. But if I had to go with the casting thing, I’d cast Jugal Hansraj, Pankaj Tripathi, Kiara Advani as Traitors—they come across as so positive and happy, which is exactly why they could surprise and shock people. Sometimes the most charming faces hide the biggest twists!