After months of speculation, the trailer of Raees finally proved that Mahira Khan is still Shah Rukh Khan's leading lady in Raees.
Mahira's stint in Bollywood hit a major roadblock when film industry associations decided to ban Pakistani artistes from Bollywood in light of rising tensions between India and Pakistan (IMPPA Bans Pakistani
Artistes, Sept 29).
Then there was the rising public sentiment against Pakistani artistes which led to rumours that Mahira has been replaced in Raees.
Then there were the accusations that Mahira had kept mum about the attacks against the Indian army, to which she responded diplomatically on Facebook (After Fawad, Mahira speaks up!, Oct 8).
Image Source: udayavani
But the trailer which launched today gave plenty of screen time to Mahira and it looks like the actress has a prominent role in the film.
While the cast including Shah Rukh Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui were present at the trailer launch, Mahira was however missing from the stage.
But the film's co-producer Ritesh Sidhwani has announced that she may return to India to promote the film.
"If required, we will ask Mahira to come and promote the film. Government ne visa dene se manaa nahi kiya hai," said Ritesh.
But the question is; What will the public response to Mahira be at the events? Will her appearance snowball into a controversy? Will Ritesh still call Mahira to India?
Raees will meet Hrithik Roshan starrer Kaabil in a head-on box-office clash on January 25, 2017.
Thumbnail Image Source: youtube/ChennaiExp2013
Raees will meet Hrithik Roshan starrer Kaabil in a head-on box-office clash on January 25, 2017.
Thumbnail Image Source: youtube/ChennaiExp2013