Subhash K Jha (DNA; December 20, 2014)

Mahira Khan, the stunner from Shoaib Akhtar’s Bol has been signed to star opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees.

And director Rahul Dholakia says the unusual choice has nothing to do with Mahira’s popularity in India post the telecast of the Pakistani serial Humsafar. “Mahira’s popularity is beyond question. But that is only an added bonus. We signed her because the film is set in a Muslim ghetto of Gujarat and the character needs to possess a certain look.”

More importantly Raees is set in the 1980s. Dholakia wanted an actress who would look convincing as a Muslim girl in Gujarat in the ’80s. The usual names from Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif to Priyanka Chopra and Anushka Sharma were quickly rejected. The pairing this time had to be absolutely fresh. Luckily Mahira said yes.

Apparently, Mahira said no to a few Bollywood offers in the past. A looks-test featuring Mahira with SRK has proven the pair to be refreshing and real.

Rahul anticipates no visa problems for the Pakistani beauty. “There are no problems with American actors coming here. Why should there be a problem with a neighbouring country? Having said that, let me add that her presence is the producers’ issue. My job is to shoot the film.”