Mumbai, October 23 (Times of India): Mahira Khan, who is going to debut with Shah Rukh Khan in the movie ‘Raees’ will continue shooting for the movie despite the ban on Pakistani artistes.
According to reports, the makers of the film including the producer Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar , and Shah Rukh Khan hope that things will change for the better by the time film releases in January. Mahira is however expected to shoot the remaining scenes of the movie at a secret location.
After rubbishing reports that the release of Raees has been postponed, producer Ritesh Sidhwani refuted rumours that Pakistani actress Mahira Khan will be replaced in the film, after MNS demanded a ban on films featuring Pakistani artists. In Delhi to attend his wife Dolly’s debut show at the fashion week, Ritesh said, “I do not understand where all this is coming from. I would only say one thing – I have shot with the girl for 45 days and finished the film, I hope that clarifies things. I was not reacting to such reports or commenting because I feel that when someone speculates something and you go and respond to it, you are providing a platform to such speculations and rumours. I feel it is better to ignore such things. I don’t want to talk about ‘Raees’, I am here to cheer for my wife.”
Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, who is gearing up for her Bollywood debut with superstar Shah Rukh Khan in ‘Raees’, said working with the Indian superstar has been a dream come true. She also said she is nervous about the movie’s release. “It’s my dream come true to work with Shah Rukh Khan and also I am very excited about ‘Raees’. But more than this, I am nervous too,” Mahira said on the sidelines of Vogue Beauty Awards . “It feels like I am under pressure to show my acting skills,” she added.
When asked about a memorable moment with SRK, the ‘Humsafar’ actress said: “The first scene, I thought I would be doing it smoothly, but as he (Shah Rukh) came in front of me, I forgot my lines. I will always remember that incident.” However, Mahira hopes she has done a good job. “Being artistes, I and others (artistes from Pakistan) have been trying to represent our country. I hope I can do a good job, because I feel only that country develops which gives respect to the artistes,” she said.
Mahira made her acting debut with a small role in Shoaib Mansoor’s ‘Bol’, but it was Hum TV’s blockbuster serial ‘Humsafar’ opposite Fawad Khan, which took her to new heights of fame. Talking about a possibility of working with Fawad again, she said: “I know people loved our chemistry, but we both are busy with our projects. Therefore, it’s going to be tough.” Directed by Rahul Dholakia, ‘Raees’ is scheduled to be released on January 26 next year.
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