Not Jaideep Ahlawat, Irrfan Khan Was The First Choice To Play Villain In Junaid Khan's Debut Film 'Maharaj', Director Reveals

'Maharaj' director Siddharth P. Malhotra cast Jaideep Ahlawat in the antagonist role after the tragic demise of Irrfan Khan from cancer.

‘Maharaj’ features Junaid Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh and Shalini Pandey.

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New Delhi: Many reviewers have praised ‘Maharaj’, Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan's first film. The film's powerful plot and outstanding acting have helped it become a fan favourite with OTT viewers in 2024. Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh, and Shalini Pandey also feature in the film. The performance of Jaideep Ahlawat, who plays the terrifying antagonist Maharaj, has been outstanding. Nevertheless, Director Siddharth P. Malhotra has said that Jaideep wasn't the first choice for this part.

During a press conference for ‘Maharaj’, Siddharth P. Malhotra said that the original idea for the role of villain was played by the late Irrfan Khan. He said, “God bless his soul. In our opinion, nobody could play this role but Irrfan Khan.” 

According to him, Jaideep was under pressure, and he repeatedly told the actor that no one else could match Irrfan's performance.  "He was unsure how he would play it. We were very grateful that sir agreed and came on board. He’s rightfully getting all the love he gets for every film,” the director said.

About ‘Maharaj’

The 1862 Maharaj Libel Case served as inspiration for the film Maharaj, which follows the life of social reformer and journalist Karsandas Mulji as he campaigns for the emancipation of women in India before independence. Karsandas is played by Junaid Khan, with supporting parts played by Jaideep Ahlawat, Sharvari Wagh, and Shalini Pandey. 

After a short delay caused by a stay by the Gujarat High Court, the film—which was produced by YRF and directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra—was finally released on Netflix on June 21. Following the lifting of the stay, YRF issued a formal statement expressing gratitude. 

The announcement reads: "We are grateful to the judiciary for allowing the release of Maharaj, a film that celebrates one of the most important social reformers of our country, Karsandas Mulji. Yash Raj Films has a 50-year-old legacy of championing India, its stories, its people, culture & heritage. We have never produced a film that tarnished the reputation of our country or our countrymen."