Irrfan Khan Considered for Villain Role in Junaid Khan’s Debut Film “Maharaj”

The director of the recently released film “Maharaj,” Siddharth P. Malhotra, revealed a surprising casting detail. Actor Jaideep Ahlawat, who played the antagonist in the movie, was not the original choice for the role.

Malhotra, in a press meet, disclosed that the villainous character, JJ, was written with the late Irrfan Khan in mind. Khan, a highly respected and versatile actor, passed away in 2020 after battling cancer. Due to his unfortunate passing, the makers had to approach Jaideep Ahlawat for the role.

The director also acknowledged the pressure on Ahlawat. Malhotra believed Khan would have brought a unique charm to the character, and he constantly reminded Ahlawat of the high bar set by  Irfan’s caliber. Despite the pressure, Ahlawat delivered a strong performance that has been praised by critics.

This revelation adds another layer to “Maharaj,” particularly for fans of Irrfan Khan. It sparks curiosity about what his portrayal of the villain might have been like.