In a significant development for cross-border cinematic collaboration, talented Pakistani actress Mahira Khan starred alongside Shah Rukh Khan in the Indian film ‘Raees.’
This project marked Mahira Khan’s sole venture in Bollywood, as Hindu extremists imposed a ban on her participation in the Indian film industry, preventing her from promoting the film due to various threats.
Despite these challenges, she remained dedicated to her craft and earned considerable acclaim for her portrayal of the character Aasiya.
Numerous stories have surfaced regarding Mahira Khan’s casting in ‘Raees,’ with different claims about who would ultimately land the role. The film’s director, Rahul Dholakia, has now disclosed how he discovered Mahira and brought her on board.
Rahul mentioned that he was seeking a woman over 30 who could speak fluent Urdu. While actresses like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Katrina Kaif were available and appeared innocent, they were either unwilling to accept a minor role or demanded higher compensation.
Both Rahul’s mother and Gauri Khan’s mother had seen Mahira and suggested her for the role. Fortunately, Mahira was in Mumbai at that time for promotional activities. After auditioning her, we were convinced that she was the perfect fit for Aasiya.
The chemistry between Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan in ‘Raees’ received widespread praise, and the film performed admirably at the Bollywood box office.