In a recent press conference, director Siddharth P. Malhotra revealed that the late Irrfan Khan was the first choice for the role of Maharaj in the film “Maharaj,” which was eventually played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Malhotra emphasized that Irrfan was seen as the only actor capable of bringing the powerful and villainous character to life. He stated, “The only person we could think of for that role was Irrfan Khan. There was nobody else who could play this role but Irrfan Khan.”
After Irrfan’s untimely demise in 2020, the filmmakers reconsidered their options and realized that Jaideep Ahlawat could also effectively portray the character. Malhotra expressed his confidence in Jaideep’s abilities, saying, “I kept telling Jaideep sir there’s only one actor in the entire universe who can do this, and that’s him. He can do anything, he’s one of the best actors we have, undoubtedly. It took us time to convince him to do this, it was a lot of pressure on him. He’s rightfully getting all the love he gets for every film.”
Jaideep Ahlawat’s Dedication and Transformation
Siddharth P. Malhotra also shared insights into Jaideep Ahlawat’s commitment to his role in “Maharaj.” After the initial shoot wrapped up, Malhotra felt that Jaideep’s introductory scene needed to be re-shot. However, five months had passed, and Jaideep had gained weight. Despite Malhotra’s suggestion to use VFX for the scene, Jaideep insisted on achieving the right physical form through hard work.
“He said, bhai, for five-and-a-half months I have given my life to get that body. I can’t start with a fake body in my first scene. Give me three months,” Malhotra recalled. Jaideep took three months to get back in shape for just one day of shooting, showcasing his dedication to authenticity and his craft.
About Maharaj
“Maharaj,” directed by Siddharth P. Malhotra and produced by YRF Entertainment, stars Aamir Khan’s son Junaid Khan in his debut role, alongside Jaideep Ahlawat and Shalini Pandey, with a special appearance by Sharvari. The film is based on true events from pre-Independence India and highlights the courage of social reformer Karsandas Mulji, who challenged the status quo in a landmark legal battle. “Maharaj” was released on Netflix India on June 21, 2023, and has garnered significant attention for its powerful storytelling and stellar performances.
Irrfan Khan’s legacy continues to be remembered fondly, and Jaideep Ahlawat’s portrayal in “Maharaj” stands as a testament to his dedication and talent, ensuring the film’s success and critical acclaim.