The role of Mumtaz Mahal is immensely difficult to cast.
The legendary beauty was the one who inspired the magnificent monument of love, after all.
But an experienced actress would be disadvantaged, because of a known face, as well as the youth factor. The film's Mumtaz needed to be teen-fresh even while remaining unquestionably exquisite.
Finally, newcomer Sonya Jehan, granddaughter of the legendary singer-actress Noor Jehan, stepped into the role.