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Subhash K Jha (DNA; October 10, 2016)

The stand-off between Pakistan and India has just claimed its first casualty in Bollywood. Pakistani actress Mahira Khan has been eased out of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Raees, due for release on the Republic Day weekend, according to reliable sources.

Says a source in the know, “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 hunt is now on for a Bollywood actress for the project. “The Raees team needs to find a new girl in two weeks’ time,” says the source.