Shah Rukh Khan and casting director Mukesh Chhabra recently shared a lighthearted exchange on social media, celebrating the film Jawan. The interaction occurred after Khan won the Best Actor award at the 71st National Film Awards for his performance in the film.

Mukesh Chhabra, who was responsible for the ensemble cast of Jawan, initially posted a heartfelt message on X (formerly Twitter) with a clip of Shah Rukh Khan accepting the award. Chhabra's tweet expressed his affection and admiration.

Shah Rukh Khan responded to Chhabra's tweet with a humorous remark, "Thank you very much for casting me in the film... twice". This comment was a playful nod to Khan's dual role in Jawan, where he portrayed both the father and the son. The witty reply quickly gained traction online, delighting fans and sparking widespread laughter.

Chhabra's involvement in Jawan was extensive, taking over a year to finalize the cast. He revealed that the casting process was particularly challenging due to the need to blend fresh faces with established actors to create a powerful ensemble. The goal was to ensure each member of the "girl gang" had a distinct look and impactful presence. Actresses like Sanya Malhotra, Sanjeeta Bhattacharya, Girija Oak Godbole, Lehar Khan, and Aaliyah Qureshi were chosen after impressive auditions, each bringing a unique quality to their roles.

In an interview with The Indian Express, Chhabra shared that casting for Jawan commenced nearly two years prior to the film's release. He also played a minor role in Jawan, sharing screen space with Shah Rukh Khan in a scene. The casting director also revealed that the most difficult part of casting for the film was the supporting female characters. The mix of new and popular faces paid off, with actors like Priyamani and Sanya Malhotra working alongside lesser-known actors.

Chhabra has been praised for his ability to identify and introduce new talent to the industry, with names like Sushant Singh Rajput, Rajkummar Rao, Sanya Malhotra, and Fatima Sana Sheikh among his discoveries. His approach to casting aims to redefine the process, and his work on Jawan is a testament to his dedication.

According to Chhabra, Shah Rukh Khan is an actor who makes everyone feel at ease. He recounted that Khan's supportive nature extends to recommending Chhabra for a cameo role in Jawan.

Jawan, directed by Atlee, features Nayanthara and Vijay Sethupathi in key roles, with a special appearance by Deepika Padukone. The film garnered Rs 520.79 crore gross at the worldwide box office in its first weekend.