Mahira: Recalled for Raees

Contrary to previous reports, Pakistani actress Mahira Khan won’t be replaced as the leading lady of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees, due for release on Republic Day. 

Says a source, “The team isn’t looking for a replacement to Mahira. It just isn’t cost-efficient. The film’s producers Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar and SRK and director Rahul Dholakia are hoping that by the time Raees releases, things will cool down. They will shoot her remaining portions mid-November at a secret location in Abu Dhabi.”

The source adds that they decided to retain Mahira for practical reasons. “She shot for over 20 days with SRK at various locations. Also, she plays a young girl of 18 who matures to 35 years and it will be impossible to find a top B-Town actress of such calibre and dates to coordinate with SRK. To re-shoot those scenes again would be a nightmare. Hence Mahira remains in Raees.”