Ever since the debate over banning the Pakistani actors in India has initiated, there have been reports about replacement of the lead actress of Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming movie ‘Raees’.
The movie features Pakistani actress Mahira Khan. It was reported that considering the escalating tension between India and Pakistan, the makers of ‘Raees’ are planning to replace Mahira with an Indian actress.
However, Farhan Akhtar, co-producer of the ‘Raees’ has refuted all the reports of any change in the cast of the movie.
While talking to a leading daily, Farhan stated that the movie is ready for release with Mahira very much being a part of it.
He also asserted that if ‘Raees’ would have hit the floors post the escalated Indo-Pak enmity, they wouldn’t have roped in any Pakistani artist for the movie.
"If we had shot the film after the recent developments (the deterioration in Indo-Pak relations) we would have certainly not worked with any artiste from Pakistan", Farhan said.
The SRK-starrer along with Karan Johar’s ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ was on the radar of Raj Thackeray-led MNS who had threatened to stall the release of both the movies.
Earlier, Farhan had also voiced his opinion in support of KJo, saying that the director has shot ADHM a year ago, when attempts to bridge the gap between India and Pakistan was being encouraged.
He also mentioned that not just halting the release of ADHM is unfair but demanding Rs. 5 crore as a penalty is unjustified as well.
“How we choose to show our solidarity to our brave jawaans is up to us. I don’t think anyone outside the Indian government is authorised to brief us on how to deal with our conscience”, Farhan added.
Currently, Farhan Akhtar is busy promoting his upcoming movie ‘Rock On 2’ also starring Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal and Purab Kohli.
The movie happens to be the sequel of Farhan’s 2008 release ‘Rock On’. Directed by Shujaat Saudagar, ‘Rock On 2’ is scheduled to release on November 11, 2016.
