‘It Didn’t Work Out’: Mahira Khan on Being Offered Heeramandi 15 Years Ago and Meeting Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Mahira Khan, a celebrated actress in Pakistan and India, recently shared an interesting story from her past. During a podcast with BBC Asian Network, Mahira revealed that she was offered a role in Heeramandi by the legendary filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali around 15 years ago. However, due to political issues, the project couldn’t take off.
How Mahira Was Discovered for Heeramandi
Mahira shared that this happened long before she started acting. She was attending a friend’s wedding in Mumbai when the opportunity came her way. At the time, Sanjay Leela Bhansali was looking for a Pakistani actress. Moin Beg, who had come up with the concept of Heeramandi, mentioned her to Bhansali while they were discussing casting.
Mahira explained, “I had gone to my friend’s wedding; she was marrying an Indian guy. Bhansali was looking for a Pakistani actress, and my friend Sharmeen recommended me. She told them, ‘Have you seen Mahira? She’s a VJ on television.’”
Without telling Mahira in advance, her friends took her to a studio to meet Bhansali. Mahira described the moment: “I was wearing an old white salwar kameez. I didn’t know I was going to meet him.”
The Meeting with Bhansali
Mahira revealed that Bhansali wasn’t in Mumbai when she arrived, but they eventually met a few days later. During their meeting, the filmmaker asked her to remove her lipstick and shared details about Heeramandi.
Unfortunately, despite the excitement, the project didn’t work out. Mahira explained, “Things didn’t materialize due to political reasons.”
Why She Refused to Hide the Truth
In the podcast, Mahira also shared that she was advised not to tell Bhansali that she was married at the time. However, she chose honesty over secrecy. “I told Moin Beg that I want Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s number because I need to tell him I’m married. When asked why, I said, ‘This is my dream. I’ve wanted to be an actor all my life, and I can’t start it with a lie.’”
A Missed Opportunity, But No Regrets
While the role didn’t work out, Mahira’s story reflects her honesty and passion for acting. Her admiration for Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s work remains strong, and she continues to shine in her acting career.
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