Bollywood film director Rahul Dholakia talks about casting Mahira Khan in Raees

Mahira Khan starred in "Raees" alongside Shahrukh Khan, her first Bollywood project.
Despite being banned by Hindu extremists, Khan's portrayal of Aasiya was well-received.
Khan's mother and Gauri Khan's mother independently recommended her for the role.

Mahira Khan starred opposite Shahrukh Khan in “Raees”, her only Bollywood project, after being banned from the industry by Hindu extremists. Due to numerous threats surrounding her, she was unable to promote the film. Despite this, her portrayal of Aasiya was well-received, earning her significant appreciation.

Many stories have circulated about Mahira Khan's casting in “Raees”, with various claims about who might have been cast in the role. However, “Raees” director Rahul Dholakia has finally revealed how he discovered Mahira Khan and chose her for the film.

Rahul claimed that “they wanted a girl who was over 30 years old and could speak good Urdu. There were heroines like Kareena Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif who looked innocent but they were either not ready to do such a short role or wanted to be paid more. Rahul’s own mother and Gauri Khan’s mother had seen Mahira and recommended her independently. They took an audition and knew this was his Aasiya.”