The cast of Peepli Live was selected after an extensive and exhaustive casting process that lasted over 4 months. About 900 actors were auditioned in several cities in India. In the event, legendary Indian theatre director Habib Tanvir’s Naya Theatre repertory which comprises mainly rural folk actors provided the mainstay. This is the first feature film for most of the actors who appear in Peepli Live but several have a background in theatre. The huge cast of the film and their tremendous hard work makes this truly an actors’ film.