Mahira Khan recently discussed her initial meeting with Sanjay Leela Bhansali and the chance to appear in Heeramandi during an interview with BBC Asian Network.

A wedding that resulted in the encounter.

Mahira Khan's name was recommended by an acquaintance, and during their discussion, she conveyed her profound respect for Bhansali and his artistic contributions. This event took place 15 years ago. She made the decision to attend the wedding of her childhood friend, who was marrying an Indian man. At that time, they were in Bombay, where Bhansali was actively seeking a female actor from Pakistan. The inspiration for this initiative came from Moin Beg. He and designer Rizwan Beg were present, expressing their frustration over the inability to find a suitable actress. While Mahira was in Pakistan, her friend from Mumbai was shopping for the bridal gown that Rizwan was designing for her. Moin, who was there, mentioned that he was looking for a Pakistani actress. In response, her friend Sharmeen, who worked as a video jockey, discreetly arranged for Mahira to meet them.

Mahira remembered wearing a simple, old white salwar kameez when she was brought to the studio. A man gazed at her for half an hour before finally inquiring, "Are you Madhubala?" She affirmed with a nod. After her confirmation, he asked, "Would you be interested in appearing in an Indian film?" Mahira responded, "Yes, I would, but only alongside Shah Rukh Khan." She emphasized the importance of understanding her mindset. He then expressed his hope that the actor would have the opportunity to meet Bhansali during her visit to India.

Overlooked chances and a delayed invitation.

Mahira recounted that upon her arrival in Mumbai, she was unable to meet the filmmaker. However, Moin had contacted her the day prior to her departure for Pakistan, conveying that Bhansali had expressed an interest in meeting her. The actress further explained that the filmmaker had specifically requested a photoshoot without any makeup.

Reflecting on her meeting with Bhansali, Mahira praised the filmmaker, stating, "What a man he is!" and described him as truly original and brilliant. He inquired, "Can you remove your lipstick?" to which she responded that what she was wearing was not lipstick. Following this, Bhansali suggested she "wipe it off," and she complied. "Wow," he remarked. During that time, he shared details about Heeramandi with her. Although the project did not materialize, he was excited about the possibility of her involvement. At that moment, the film was in production, but shortly thereafter, political turmoil arose, hindering her ability to participate in the project.

Concerns regarding the disclosure of marital status.

Mahira elaborated that the core issue stemmed from her choice not to reveal her marital status to him. She experienced a restless night, plagued by significant anxiety. Eager to inform Bhansali of her marriage, she requested Moin to provide her with the filmmaker's contact information. She asserted that this was her preferred scenario. The actor conveyed that she could not pursue her lifelong aspiration of becoming an actress through dishonesty. Mahira reached out to Bhansali to communicate this matter. During the audition, she performed a scene from Mughal-e-Azam. Subsequently, Mahira traveled to the filming location for Raees, where she had the chance to meet Bhansali.

Netflix launched Heeramandi this year, set against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement. The series chronicles the lives of courtesans in Lahore's infamous red-light district, Heeramandi, as they navigate challenges posed by local authorities during the British Raj. The cast features notable actors such as Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Sanjeeda Shaikh, Richa Chadha, Fardeen Khan, Taha Shah Badussha, Shekhar Suman, and Adhyayan Suman. Plans for a second season are currently in progress.

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