The Story Behind Mahira Khan’s Casting in Shah Rukh Khan’s Raees

When Raees hit the screens in 2017, it quickly became one of the highest-grossing films of the year, leaving an undeniable mark on the Bollywood box office. However, despite its commercial success, the movie didn’t fully meet the sky-high expectations that many had for it. One of the most talked-about aspects of Raees was the Bollywood debut of Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who starred opposite the legendary Shah Rukh Khan. Her casting, however, wasn’t just a coincidence, but a well-thought-out decision by director Rahul Dholakia. Here’s the interesting story behind it.

Why Mahira Khan Was Chosen

In Raees, the character of Aasiya, the female lead, required an actress who could portray a Muslim woman from the 1980s—someone in her 30s with a natural blend of Hindi and Urdu. The role demanded an actor who could exude both innocence and maturity, and finding the perfect fit was a challenge for the filmmakers.

According to Rahul Dholakia, several Bollywood actresses were considered for the role, including big names like Deepika Padukone, Kareena Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma. However, they were either too expensive or didn’t quite fit the director’s vision for the character. Actresses like Sonam Kapoor and Katrina Kaif were also in the running but were eventually ruled out.

The challenge was finding someone who could hold her own alongside Shah Rukh Khan, who was 50 at the time. Dholakia humorously stated, “Shah Rukh Khan cannot romance an Alia Bhatt!” It was essential to cast an actress who brought the right mix of maturity and charm to the screen.

The Moment Mahira Khan Was Cast

The breakthrough came when casting director Honey Trehan introduced Mahira Khan. She auditioned for the role, and after seeing her performance, Dholakia knew that Mahira was the perfect choice for Aasiya. Her ability to bring innocence, grace, and a bit of mystery to the role convinced the team she was the one.

Mahira later shared her experience of landing the role at the Faiz International Festival in 2016. While promoting her hit TV drama Humsafar in Mumbai, she received an unexpected call about a “big film.” After attending a few meetings and auditioning, Mahira was told she would be cast opposite Shah Rukh Khan—a dream opportunity for any actress. Mahira was ecstatic, knowing this was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

A Performance That Left a Mark

Despite some political controversy surrounding her involvement in the film, Mahira’s portrayal of Aasiya won widespread praise. Her chemistry with Shah Rukh Khan was electric, particularly in the song Zaalima, which became an iconic number and fan favorite. Mahira’s performance added a delicate balance to the intense and gritty narrative of Raees, and her Bollywood debut continues to be one of her most memorable career highlights.

For Shah Rukh Khan, Raees remains a significant film that pushed boundaries and told a unique story. For Mahira, it marked her arrival on the Bollywood scene, proving her talent on an international level.

The Legacy of Raees

Though Raees faced some hurdles, particularly political issues between India and Pakistan, it remains a beloved film for fans of both Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan. The story behind Mahira’s casting is a testament to how much thought and consideration goes into creating cinematic magic. Her selection was more than just a casting decision—it was about finding the perfect balance of grace, maturity, and talent to complement the King of Bollywood.