I also want to promote the film. Why is it asking for too much?: Mahira Khan

Mahira Khan, the leading lady of Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film 'Raees' feels unfortunate at not being able to join the cast for the promotions.

The Pakistani actress is all set for her dream debut in Bollywood on January 25th but incidentally she has been not allowed to be part of the promotional campaign for the film. The actress, who's known for some hit TV shows like Humsafar, plays the female lead in Raees. In an interview given to a Pakistani publication, Mahira rues the fact that she's not able to be part of the publicity campaign of the film.

On the possibility of Raees releasing in Pakistan...

"I want my country to see this film. I want everybody to see it, every person in the world. My friends keep saying you did it, it's enough, you can just keep it in a box somewhere. I agree, but there's a part of me that says, no, I want everybody to see the blood and sweat I spent on, for these two years, It has been tough and I want people to see what I have done. But then I have learnt in the last two years that there are things which are beyond your control. But I must say I am dying for it to get released here. (in Pakistan)."

On the ban of Pakistani actors in Indian film industry

"It is unfortunate. Six months ago I was getting new offers every day. Six months later I am told there is no scope."

On missing promotions of the film

"I was on my way here and I heard the new song is out. Everyone was sending messages and I had tears rolling down my eyes, yet again for the tenth time. My hairstylist sent me a message saying 'I think we should always say goodbye with tears because we always meet again when we do that. I don't want to romanticise things, but by the end of the two years we had people weeping while saying goodbye to us. I am so indebted to all of them, especially my director Rahul Dholakia and the producer Ritesh Sidhwani, who have stood by me all through these two years, even at the worst of times."

" I also want to be in an interview with Shah Rukh Khan talking about the film. Why not? Why is it I get told that that's asking for too much? It is my right. Raees is my film too."

On working with SRK

"He is magic really, honestly. He spoilt me for life. He used to guide me about how to do things. At one point I asked him, am I not doing it right? He said 'Look I am only telling you what I know, from my experience. You do it your way but all I want is when you see yourself on screen you don't come to me and say, why didn't you tell me!' He's so smart. There's nothing you can't talk to him about. We've had some amazing conversations. It's so much fun to talk to someone who's intelligent. It's not just about films, he can talk about anything. I've always been a fan, but if you watch his interviews, you can tell he's witty and smart. It was a pleasure working with someone you can have a conversation with."