The current situations in both the countries, India and Pakistan have majorly affected the working pattern of Pakistani actors in Bollywood. There has been strong pressure on Producers and Filmmakers to not work with the stars from our neighbouring country. The latest update is that actress Mahira Khan who was set to debut in Bollywood with Shah Rukh Khan starrer Raees, will now be replaced.
The producer Ritesh Sidhwani and team are looking for a Bollywood actress to replace Mahira. They need to have the new actress on board within two weeks, reportedly.
A close sourse said in a statement that, “It was a very painful decision for producer Ritesh Sidhwani to take. The pressure to replace her had been building up for months. It reached a crescendo after the Uri attacks. It came to a point where it became impossible to shoot with any Pakistani. People suggested all kinds of solutions to the impasse, including shooting in Dubai. But it didn’t seem viable. Now Mahira has unfortunately been relieved of her duties.”
Let us wait for an official confirmation from the makers. Raees has been slated to release next year.