Dangal Actress Zaira Wasim Quits Bollywood For Religious Reasons

The recipient of numerous accolades, including a Filmfare Award and a National Film Award, Zaira Waseem announces that she will no longer be a part of the film industry, and cited religious reasons for doing so. The statement came as surprise for many, considering the young Kashmiri actress was on the rise, arguably at the climax of her brief career. She recently starred in the high grossing and widely popular film Dangal, and was is set to star in what may be her lat film,The Sky Is Pink.

After the announcement she was both supported and criticized for her decision, mainly due to the statement that her work was interfering with her faith.

Who are any of us to question @ZairaWasimmm’s choices? It’s her life to do with as she pleases. All I will do is wish her well & hope that what ever she does makes her happy.

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 30, 2019

 

Religion is never against culture, arts and entertainment. It’s a proponent of it. To each his own. Religion must really be laughing at this. So am I. #ZairaWasim
Damaged My Relationship With Allah": Actress Zaira Wasim Quits Filmshttps://t.co/04zeHjDBng

— Atika Farooqui (@atikafarooqui) July 1, 2019

In December 2017 the young actress Zaira Wasim was allegedly harassed by a fellow passenger on Air Vistara’s flight from Delhi to Mumbai. She spoke out, and broke down several times during her statement, however among the many voices that supported her, many began to judge and criticize her. Sadly, it is not uncommon for women to face criticism when they speak out against harassment, especially in patriarchal societies like those in India and Pakistan. Perhaps the pressure of being a public figure, coupled with the backlash experienced after speaking out proved to be too much to handle for the young 18 year old actress.

5 years ago I made a decision that changed my life and today I’m making another one that’ll change my life again and this time for the better Insha’Allah! 🙂 https://t.co/ejgKdViGmD

— Zaira Wasim (@ZairaWasimmm) June 30, 2019