Zaira Wasim's retirement: Pressure or choice?
Bollywood actor Zaira Wasim announced her retirement from the field of acting on Sunday, citing religious reasons. The declaration, however, has erupted into a controversy. While actor Raveena Tandon slammed the Dangal star for her "regressive views," some surmised she was pressured into leaving the film industry. Meanwhile, reports emerged that Wasim's account was hacked, which were quickly refuted. Here's all about this controversy.
Wasim retired as her 'relationship with religion was threatened'
On Sunday morning, Wasim announced her disassociation from Bollywood as she "didn't belong" in the industry. She said that the profession led her down a "path of ignorance" and her "relationship with religion was threatened." In her short Bollywood stint, Wasim featured in Dangal and Secret Superstar, and garnered much praise, even bagging a National Award. Her next, The Sky is Pink, awaits release.
You can read her post here
Hacking claims false, clarifies Wasim's manager
A News18 Hindi report stated Wasim's manager alleged her social media channels were hacked. However, her manager, Tuhin Mishra, told ANI, "No, we never said that. The post has been put up bu Zaira, that's it. We never said anything like that."
Keep regressive views to yourself: Raveena Tandon
Wasim's supposed Bollywood exit has drawn much attention. Raveena Tandon criticized the 18-year-old actor for her decision. Tandon tweeted: "Doesn't matter if two-film-olds are ungrateful to the industry that has given them all. Just wish they'd exit gracefully and keep their regressive views to themselves." Meanwhile, Dangal director Nitesh Tiwari told Mid-Day Wasim's retirement was "unexpected" and "came as a shock" to him.
Here is Tandon's tweet on Wasim's retirement
There's a sense of loss, she's extremely talented, says Tiwari
"It is her life and she has the right to lead it the way she [deems fit]," Tiwari told Mid-Day, adding, "She was chosen for reasons best known to all of us. There's a sense of loss because Zaira is an extremely talented actress."
Separately, 'The Sky is Pink' team supports Wasim's decision
Separately, The Sky is Pink co-producers, Roy Kapur Films, also released a statement to PTI, saying, "Zaira is an exceptional artiste and we are lucky to have had her play Aisha Chaudhury in our film." "This is a purely personal decision, which she has taken after much thought and we will be supportive of her in every way- now and always," the statement added.
'If you're pressurized from Pakistan or terrorists, speak up'
Evidently, some people have linked her retirement with Pakistan. Like, filmmaker Ashoke Pandit said, "If you're pressurized either from Pakistan or any terrorist organization from Kashmir to leave this field, then come out in open and speak about it," he said. Speaking about an Instagram post where Wasim thanked her Pakistani followers, Pandit said, "Nowhere does she mention that she's a proud Indian, too."
Skin show not permitted in Islam, Samajwadi Party MP
And, here comes the Islam angle. Samajwadi Party MP, ST Hassan, said, "Politics should not be done on it. Since I'm a Muslim, I can say that skin show is not permitted in Islam or to display anything that might be sexually appealing." Bravo!
Fundamentalist forces are pressurizing her: Activist
Meanwhile, women's rights activist Abha Singh doubts a conspiracy as she doesn't believe an 18-year-old could write that post. Singh claimed "fundamentalist forces are pressurizing her" and demanded a probe and Wasim's protection, adding this could be a publicity stunt for The Sky is Pink. BJP leader Shazia Ilmi said it's "unfortunate" if she's been threatened, but if it's her decision, we should respect it.
