Zaira Wasim left everyone shocked yesterday after she announced her disassociation with Bollywood. Five years after making her acting debut, the 18-year-old actress known for her roles in Dangal and Secret Superstar, said that she wants to quit the industry for her ¡°relationship with my religion was threatened.¡±
"It is totally her decision to quit the field and we must respect it. But relating it to her religion is unreasonable. All the Islamic countries in the world where Islamic laws are followed including Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Bahrain, Oman, Iran, and Afghanistan, etc., have female news readers, actors," he told ANI.
He recalled working with late Farookh Sheikh and said: "Farookh Sheikh acted in films without compromising with his prayers. So, these things go hand in hand. Sania Mirza is also religious who keeps 'Roza', prays and she has elevated India's name to great heights through tennis," he added.
"The real reason behind Zaira's decision is known only to her. Maybe people advised her or maybe she wouldn't be at peace with her mind. If she wishes to walk on the path of religion, she is totally free to do so," he said.
Tanushree Dutta, who was recently in the news after she levelled allegations against Nana Patekar, said, "As I read her full post, I couldn't help but wonder if Zaira's true calling in life is, in fact, to be a young spiritual leader of some sort guiding young Muslims to the true knowledge of Allah and Quran."
She said if Zaira steps out to show the true mystical wisdom to the world, she would find a follower in her. "In today's times, many young minds are getting corrupted through fanaticism and aggressive violent ideologies. Can Zaira be the voice of reason and show the world the true mystical and graceful wisdom of the Quran? If she does, she surely has one follower in me," added Dutta.
She continued, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to have this kid start a YouTube blog sharing her faith? Clearly, her understanding and grasp on religion is far superior to what I have seen so far among seasoned clerics even. Perhaps it is due to her youthful innocence and I pray it remains that way and she receives more grace and wisdom from the almighty to share with others!"