Shah Rukh Khan, Mahira Khan
Shah Rukh Khan and Mahira Khan

The escalating tension between India and Pakistan has put Ae Dil Hai Mushkil and Raees in troubled waters because of the ban that followed on Pakistani artistes. Mahira Khan was making her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, due to release on the Republic Day weekend next year. However, given the mounting tension post the terror attacks in Uri, producer Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly had to replace Mahira. According to a report in DNA, a source was quoted saying:

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. The Raees team needs to find a new girl in two weeks’ time.

If this is true, we wonder who may take Mahira’s place opposite King Khan!