Released in 2017, Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees was one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of the year. However, it fell short of some expectations and is now considered an under-performer. A notable aspect of the film was the casting of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who made her Bollywood debut alongside SRK.
Director Rahul Dholakia revealed the intriguing rationale behind casting Mahira as the female lead. He sought an actress capable of portraying an 80s Muslim girl—someone in her 30s with strong Hindi skills and a touch of Urdu. While popular Bollywood stars like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma were initially considered, they were either too expensive or not suitable for the character. Other actresses, such as Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif, were also in the running but ultimately did not fit the role.
Dholakia emphasized the need for an actress who could match Shah Rukh Khan’s stature, noting, “Shah Rukh Khan cannot romance an Alia Bhatt!” He wanted someone who embodied a blend of innocence and maturity to balance Khan’s experience, as he was 50 at the time.
Casting director Honey Trehan arranged an audition for Mahira, and after witnessing her performance, Dholakia was convinced he had found his Aasiya, the film’s female lead.
During the Faiz International Festival in 2016, Mahira recounted her experience of being cast in Raees. While promoting her successful TV show Humsafar in Mumbai, she received a call about a “big film.” After several meetings and an audition, she learned she would be starring opposite Shah Rukh Khan—a dream opportunity that she felt she couldn’t pass up.
Despite facing political controversies surrounding Mahira’s involvement in the film, her performance received accolades, and Raees remains a significant milestone in both her and Shah Rukh Khan’s careers. Their chemistry, particularly highlighted in the song “Zaalima,” became a memorable aspect of the film.
