Former Femina Miss India Ankita Shorey on Friday confirmed that she was part of Shah Rukh Khan’s upcoming Raees but was later replaced by Pakistani actress Mahira Khan.
“Yes, I was the initial choice for the female lead of the film. In fact I went through the look test for the role as it is a character of a Pakistani Muslim girl, and they were looking for a certain face. I waited for six months for the confirmation and to join the workshop to prepare for the role. However, a last-minute change happened,” said the model-turned-actress.
Shorey said she found out about the rumours when she was in Paris recently for the French European Indian Fashion Week.
“When I read it online, the article clearly said that someone from the production house unveiled the story. Since the fact was right, I was silent and did not give my statement. Later I heard rumours that I have been replaced because of my nationality and religion. There is no truth to that at all. So today I am making an official statement,” she said.
“As a human being, I had an expectation and I felt a little bad when I got to know it but I believe that everything happens for a reason. The only regret is that I missed out a chance to work with Excel Entertainment and Shah Rukh Khan. Mahira is a great actress, I am sure she has done a good job,” added Shorey.
