Says a source in the know, `It was a very painful decision for producer Ritesh Sidhwani to take. The pressure to replace her had been building up for months. It reached a crescendo after the Uri attacks. It came to a point where it became impossible to shoot with any Pakistani. People suggested all kinds of solutions to the impasse, including shooting in Dubai. But it didn't seem viable. Now, Mahira has unfortunately been relieved of her duties.`
A hunt is now on for a Bollywood actress. `The Raees team needs to find a new girl in two weeks' time,` says the source.