Ankita Shorey was replaced by Mahira Khan in ‘Raees’

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.