A ‘Dangal’ Of Opinions: Zaira Wasim’s Choice Of Quitting Bollywood Causes Furore In India

Zaira Wasim literally shook things in India after she announced, on Sunday, her decision to quit Bollywood and acting in order to find some peace in her life. “My relationship with my religion was threatened,” she said, probably hinting that she wants to find inner peace through her religion.

But suddenly, people were uncomfortable with her religion or her decision.

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Now, reports also suggest that Zaira took this decision after a Muslim cleric shamed her and another nine-year-old Kick-boxing champion Tajamul from Kashmir saying that both of them are a shame for Kashmiri people because they are crossing the lines of Islam.?

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But what’s strange here is that when actor turned politician Nusrat Jahan wears Sindoor and Bangles, it’s her choice and is applauded, but when Zaira Wasim doesn’t want to act in movies anymore, apparently it’s can't be her choice.

Twitter -- a place where news is discussed, opinions are made and memes are shared -- instantly became a platform where voices from across the spectrum raised their concerns and opinions. Opinions were flooded on social media. Even celebrities contributed to it. While some supported her ‘choice’, others like Raveena Tandon slammed the “two-films-old” and blamed her “regressive” opinion for it.

Anupam Kher thinks she was “forced to take the decision”.

“If she has taken this decision in the name of religion then maybe this is not her decision. Maybe she is forced to take that decision, that was my first thought. But it is her life, if she wants to take that decision, I respect her decision. I think we should leave her alone,” he told ANI.

Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen slammed her saying that her decision was “moronic”.

Also, take a note here that Zaira Wasim is just 18 years old and she is dealing with such strong criticism. Did she do the right thing to call it quits?

Not just Bollywood, political shots have also been fired at her. While Congress and NC politicos stood up in support of her, Shiv Sena slammed her.

Believe it or not, even Akhil Bhartiya Hindu Mahasabha president Swami Chakrapani got into the whole debate and asked other Hindu actresses to be like Zaira Wasim and quit acting. Yes, you read that right.

She has done two movies – Dangal and Secret Superstar – both with Aamir Khan. And to be honest, she nailed both the roles. Zaira has also shot for The Sky Is Pink, an upcoming film starring Farhan Akhtar and Priyanka Chopra, which is yet to be released.

And this short span of time – five years – she has gone through a lot, literally. Right from her first film Dangal, she is facing the heat.

#1 In 2016, when pictures of her look for Dangal sporting short hair were leaked, she was criticised by radical Muslims for being “un-Islamic”.

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#2 In 2017, the grouse that separatists had against Mahbooba Mufti was vented out at her when she met with the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister. Zaira was 16 then when she was trolled for meeting her. She even apologised in a post on social media, which she deleted in no time again.

#3 She was also slammed by BJP leader Vijay Goel who tweeted out a picture of himself standing along with a painting that showed two women – one in Hijab and the other one cowering in cage.

“Sir, with all respect to you, I feel I must disagree. I request you not to connect me to such a discourteous depiction. Women in hijab are beautiful and free. Moreover, the story depicted through this painting is not even remotely relevant to mine,” Zaira Wasim wrote in her response.

#4 In 2017, she threw us all into a tizz when she alleged harassment mid-air, on a flight.

So more than the number of films she has done, she has been encompassed in controversies. The teenager had to go through a lot at such a tender age. It’s just disheartening that at the age of 18, she is facing difficulties in finding inner peace.

Also Read:?Secret Superstar Actress Zaira Wasim Reveals Why She Can't Take Up A Glamourous Role Ever

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But did you know she never wanted to be an actress? She was never happy with the line of work. In a throwback interview, she had said, “I was never so inclined to this profession. It isn't like I wanted to be an actress. I am still the kind of a person who doesn't watch films. I cannot sit through a whole film. The last film, I saw was 'Dangal'. In fact, I've not seen much AK (Aamir Khan) films. I don't think I've seen any of it," Zaira was quoted as saying by PTI.

What’s more? Celebrity photographer in a post confirmed that she wasn’t even comfortable to be clicked by papz.

After having gone through all this, Zaira Wasim said she wasn't "truly happy" with what she was doing.? She has faith in her religion. She thinks it will help her find inner peace. Her manager tried covering up and said someone hacked into her system. However, Zaira remains undeterred and called it false.

Also Read:?17 Year-Old Zaira Wasim Reveals Her Struggle With Depression, Suicidal Thoughts & Self-Loathing

Well, we can only say that it's Zaira's life and her rules. Can she live it peacefully? She should.