Raees emerged as one of the highest-grossing Hindi films of 2017, particularly notable during a period of less impressive performances by Shah Rukh Khan in the late 2010s. One of the film’s standout moments that fans continue to celebrate is the Bollywood debut of Mahira Khan, who captivated audiences despite this being her only Hindi film to date.
The Casting Journey of Mahira Khan
In a candid conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra for Mashable India, director Rahul Dholakia shared insights into Mahira’s casting journey. He highlighted the challenge of finding a 30-something actor in India who not only had a command of Hindi but also embodied the innocence necessary for the character of Aasiya, the film’s female lead. “Shah Rukh was 50, so we wanted a heroine who is at least 30-something,” Dholakia noted, stressing the difficulty of matching the right talent. Although they considered options like Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma, Dholakia acknowledged that their asking prices were too high for a relatively small role. “Shah Rukh Khan cannot romance an Alia Bhatt!” he quipped, illustrating the unique dynamics involved in the casting process.
Unexpected Recommendations Lead to Mahira’s Audition
As the search for the ideal actress continued, Mahira’s name came from an unexpected source: both Gauri Khan and Dholakia’s mothers had seen Mahira in a Pakistani television show and recommended her. Intrigued, Dholakia contacted casting director Honey Trehan, who informed him that Mahira was in Mumbai for promotional work. Following a swift audition, Dholakia declared, “I have found my Aasiya,” sealing Mahira’s fate in a role that would launch her into Bollywood’s spotlight.
Mahira’s Initial Impressions of Raees
Reflecting on her initial experience, Mahira recalled attending auditions in Mumbai for the promotion of Humsafar. “I received a message saying, ‘big film, pick up,'” she remembered, noting her initial unawareness of the project’s significance. However, upon learning that it was an Excel Entertainment production, Mahira felt a surge of excitement. “They explained the film to me, but I couldn’t grasp much until they mentioned I would star opposite Shah Rukh Khan,” she shared, her excitement evident even years later.
Legacy of Raees
While Raees may have received mixed reviews and is often associated with SRK’s underwhelming phase, it undeniably played a crucial role in Mahira Khan’s career. The film showcased the potential of cross-border collaborations and set the stage for future ventures in Bollywood for actors from Pakistan.
