Mahira Khan, the beloved Pakistani actress, made waves when she starred alongside Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in the 2017 blockbuster Raees. However, little did anyone know that Raees would become her first and last Bollywood film, as she faced immense backlash and threats from Hindu extremists even before the film’s release. This marked the beginning of a challenging phase for Mahira Khan, whose promising Bollywood career was abruptly cut short due to political tensions between India and Pakistan. But how did Mahira Khan land the role in the first place? The journey to casting her as the female lead in Raees was as intriguing as the film itself.
Casting Challenges for Raees
In a recent interview with an Indian media outlet, Rahul Dholakia, the director of Raees, shed light on the casting process that led to Mahira Khan becoming the leading lady in the film. According to Dholakia, the role of Aasiya—Shah Rukh Khan’s love interest—required a mature actress who could hold her own opposite one of the biggest stars in Bollywood. The character was integral to the story, but not the central figure, which posed a unique challenge.
Dholakia revealed that he was specifically looking for an actress over 30 years old who could speak fluent Urdu, as the dialogues required a certain level of linguistic finesse. Several big names in Bollywood were considered for the role, including Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, and Katrina Kaif. These actresses had the talent, but there were hurdles. Many were unwilling to take on a smaller role or demanded a higher fee, making the casting process even more complicated.
The Search for Aasiya
As the search for the perfect actress continued, Dholakia began receiving recommendations from unexpected sources. In a twist of fate, it was Rahul Dholakia’s mother and Gauri Khan’s (Shah Rukh Khan’s wife) mother who suggested Mahira Khan for the role. Both women had independently seen Mahira’s performances in Pakistani dramas and were impressed by her acting skills and natural beauty.
Intrigued by the suggestion, Dholakia decided to take a closer look at Mahira Khan’s work. By then, Mahira had already gained significant fame in Pakistan and across South Asia for her stellar performances, particularly in the hit TV drama Humsafar, where she played the role of Khirad, a character that showcased her ability to portray vulnerability, strength, and grace all at once.
Mahira Khan’s Audition
On the recommendation of his mother, Rahul Dholakia decided to audition Mahira Khan. He recounted that the audition was a pivotal moment, as it became clear to him that Mahira was the perfect fit for the role of Aasiya. Her effortless fluency in Urdu, combined with her mature yet innocent screen presence, made her stand out from the other contenders. Dholakia explained, “At the time of the audition, I realized that Aasiya from Raees is Mahira Khan. She embodied the character in a way that no one else could.”
Mahira’s ability to express complex emotions through subtle gestures and her natural chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan were undeniable, and she was soon cast in the film. Her portrayal of Aasiya brought a quiet strength to the character, which complemented Shah Rukh Khan’s intense performance as the titular character, Raees Alam.
The Aftermath: Political Tensions and Threats
While Raees was expected to be a significant milestone in Mahira Khan’s career, political tensions between India and Pakistan escalated following the Uri attack in 2016. As a result, Pakistani actors and artists were banned from working in Bollywood. Hindu extremist groups in India issued threats, demanding that Mahira Khan be removed from the film, even though her scenes had already been completed.
Despite the threats, the filmmakers stood by their decision to keep Mahira in the film. However, Mahira herself was unable to participate in the promotional activities for Raees due to the heightened security concerns. The actress was disheartened by the situation but maintained her grace throughout, expressing her disappointment in not being able to celebrate the film’s release with her co-stars.
The threats and political tensions ultimately led Mahira to step away from Bollywood, making Raees her first and last Bollywood film. In interviews following the release, Mahira spoke about the emotional toll of the situation and how she had to come to terms with the fact that her Bollywood career had come to an abrupt halt due to circumstances beyond her control.
Mahira Khan’s Legacy in Raees
Despite the controversy surrounding her casting, Mahira Khan’s performance in Raees remains one of the highlights of her career. Her portrayal of Aasiya added depth and warmth to the film, making her an unforgettable part of the Bollywood landscape, even if only for a brief moment. Fans continue to celebrate her contribution to Raees, and her on-screen chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan is still fondly remembered.
In hindsight, Raees may have been Mahira Khan’s only Bollywood project, but it solidified her place as one of the most talented and versatile actresses of her generation. While the political situation may have cut her Bollywood journey short, her career in Pakistan continues to flourish, and she remains a beloved figure in both countries.
Mahira Khan’s experience with Raees is a testament to the power of talent and the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry. Despite the challenges and threats, she made an indelible mark on Bollywood with her role in the film. Although her Bollywood career was cut short, Mahira’s grace, resilience, and talent continue to inspire fans worldwide. Raees may have been her first and last Bollywood film, but it left an everlasting impression.
