On Sunday, Zaira Wasim, the Kashmiri girl who became famous overnight after her superb debut in Aamir Khan's blockbuster Dangal, took everyone by shock when she announced that she has decided to say goodbye to her film career as relationship with her religion was "threatened". In a detailed post on her social media accounts, the 18-year-old cited religious reasons for her decision to quit her promising career in Bollywood.
However, Zaira's decision of her "disassociation" from the field of acting did not go well down with actress Raveena Tandon, who took an indirect jibe at her. "Doesn’t matter if two film olds are ungrateful to the industry that have given them all. Just wish they’d exit gracefully and keep their regressive views to themselves," Raveena tweeted. Although she later clarified that she is aware that quitting Bollywood was Zaira's personal choice but she should not be "demeaning" the Bollywood industry.
Doesn’t matter if two film olds are ungrateful to the industry that have given them all. Just wish they’d exit gracefully and keep their regressive views to themselves .
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) June 30, 2019
I standby and love my industry,all the opportunities it gives to everyone. Exit is your choice,reason,by all means.Just do not demean it for everyone else.The industry where all work shoulder to shoulder,no differences,caste,religion or where you come from. #Respect #indianfilms https://t.co/hRJKTfI9J8
— Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) June 30, 2019
On the other hand, Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari, who brought her into Bollywood, told a leading daily that he was shocked to hear it. "I read about it in this afternoon, and it came as a shock to me. This was unexpected, but at the end of the day, it is her life and she has the right to lead it the way she [deems fit]," he was quoted as saying. He further remembers how Zaira was zeroed in on the role in his wrestling drama because she is extremely talented. "She was chosen for reasons best known to all of us. There's a sense of loss because Zaira is an extremely talented actress," Nitesh added. When prodded if he can guage the reasons behind her exit, the filmmaker quipped, "Her reasons are best known to her. She must have thought about it and taken the step. None of us has the right to pass judgment on what she has decided."
Apart from Dangal, Zaira also featured in Secret Superstar and will be next seen in Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar starrer The Sky Is Pink. Interestingly. the makers of Zaira's next have stood by decision and issued a statement, that read, "Zaira is an exceptional artiste and we are lucky to have had her play Aisha Chaudhury in our film. She has been a complete professional all through the shoot. This is a purely personal decision, which she has taken after much thought and we will support her in every way, now and always."
(Source: Twitter/Mid-Day)
