Irrfan Khan: Pakistani actress Saba Qamar was my first choice

When Pakistani actor Mahira Khan made her Bollywood debut opposite Shah Rukh Khan in 'Raees', she wanted to visit India and promote her film alongside the romance king. However, the backlash against Pakistani artistes following the Uri attack forced her to stay away from India.

Now, another Pakistani actor, Saba Qamar, who is making her Bollywood debut with Irrfan Khan's 'Hindi Medium' is seen missing the promotions but the best part is, it was Irrfan who recommended her name to the makers.

Irrfan, who was in the national capital to promote his upcoming flick 'Hindi Medium', shared that he saw her video on YouTube and really liked her work.

While talking exclusively to ANI, the 'Piku' actor said "Sometimes the co-actors become very important because your onscreen chemistry plays a vital role for the film. So when I saw her YouTube videos, I recommended her to the director and producer and they really liked her."

The film is a story about a couple's struggle to get their daughter admitted to a posh English school in order to survive in this society and also prevent others from befooling her.

In the movie, Saba plays the English-speaking wife to Khan, who is alien to the language.

Amrita Singh will also be seen in a supporting role and the film is slated to release on May 19.

-ANI