I do not understand this massive national outcry over a two-film-old, teenage actress wanting to quit Bollywood because her fledgling career was affecting her religious beliefs, faith, duties, obligations and whatever else. At 18, despite what people are saying, I do think Zaira Wasim has a mind of her own. And if it’s made up, then so be it. How does it matter whether she was influenced or pressurized to stop acting in films? The fact is that she spoke up on social media where she has a massive following.
She took the responsibility for her decision, she chose religion over her career, and for that Zaira would have had to have the courage of her convictions. If by quitting Bollywood just while she was getting there will bring Zaira’s troubled conscience the peace and forgiveness she seems to be looking for, then good for her. Everybody gets into something for a reason; and everybody gets out of something for a reason. Let those who have not sinned cast the first stone. Instead of sharply reacting and sarcastically responding to her decision, people should just accept it. Instead, everybody has got on their high horse and had a vicious go at the young actress. Bollywood as is its wont, is divided in its opinion. And Zaira’s call has got as much flak as it has got support from the industry.
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
The political class, which really has got no class and is among the most shameless of our people, has given it a communal tinge. Like Zaira was the first Muslim actress to get in and out of Bollywood. Others are making it seem like a monumental tragedy. I wonder what the world must be thinking of our narrow mindsets. So much of fuss was not made even when poor, beleaguered Rahul Gandhi announced he was resigning as the Congress party president. Or when that stylish all-rounder Yuvraj Singh made his bittersweet declaration of retiring from cricket on the eve of the World Cup. After the dust has settled down, the question that will be asked is, will Zaira’s presence in Bollywood be missed? I don’t know. She was hardly there.
Her first film ‘Dangal’ belonged entirely to Aamir Khan and Fatima Sana Shaikh. I didn’t quite notice Zaira. And while I did think she showed promise and presence in her second film ‘Secret Superstar’, there were other actors led by Aamir again who also gave superlative performances. Her third and last film ‘The Sky is Pink’ is releasing in October. I don’t know how big Zaira’s role is in it. But she’s playing Priyanka Chopra’s daughter. And Priyanka is returning to Indian cinema after ‘Jai Gangaajal’ in 2016. Which actress would you rather look at on screen? Meanwhile, Bollywood is full of talented young stars. Most of them one and two films old only. And there’s an impressive line of debutantes waiting to make their entries. Bollywood does not sit back to lick its wounds or count its losses. It moves on. The show must go on. And Zaira’s loss will be somebody else’s gain. Only, I want to believe in her decision and think this won’t be Zaira Wasim’s loss…
(Source: Peeping Moon)
