MUMBAI: Actress Zaira Wasim recently quit Bollywood citing religious reasons. Here is what TV actors have to say about it.
Ansh Bagri: I believe that any religion won’t stop you from your work, and if it is, then it’s for a particular person. We have Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, writers, and others who belong to the same religion and are working successfully in this industry. I think it might be just some people who would have pressured or brainwashed her because she’s too young to understand all this. Any artist is above religion, and it’s our religion to entertain people. People who say that their religion doesn’t allow them have got it wrong. I think Zaira is just a kid and hasn’t seen the world much, and to understand one’s religion as well one, has to be mature enough.
Malhar Pandya: About Zaira, I would like to first mention what a wonderful and natural actor she is. Her work in her debut flick Dangal was outstanding, and I am her admirer, so I am little disappointed knowing that she is quitting the field. But it is totally her decision, and we absolutely respect that. But relating it to her religion is unreasonable. Religion is never against arts, culture, and entertainment. Maybe people advised her, or maybe she did not have peace of mind. I guess the real reason behind Zaira’s decision is known only to her, but I wish her all the good luck for her future.
Subuhi Joshi: I believe any form of art can never come in between you and your religion. Any artist, be it an actor, a painter, or a poet, thinks in a different way. For them, their work is their religion, but if at any moment he/she goes through this kind of realization that his/her work is stopping or interrupting their belief towards their religion, then it’s absolutely all right for that person to leave that profession. We are nobody to judge it. India is a secular country. Any citizen of India is free to follow any religious or spiritual path. But after working in the industry for 5 long years, if an artist decides that there’s something more to be discovered about life then I wish her all the very best for the new journey of awakening. But I also strongly feel that such things do not need an announcement. You can simply quit and follow the path you want to follow without making it a national debate.
Rehaan Roy: It’s a pleasure watching Zaira Wasim performing. She’s an immensely talented actor. If she wants to quit her acting career, it’s her choice and I respect that. However, blaming the film industry for her spiritual ignorance is something I really do not support. It’s a place where we all work with love like a family irrespective of caste, religion, or any other differences. Every religion teaches us to love one another. Quitting the film industry is her personal choice, but posting this on social media like Instagram and blaming the film industry looks like a nice publicity stunt.
Nishant Malkani: Zaira Wasim quitting the Bollywood industry is news to me. She’s such a talented kid. I always thought that she’s going to be a superstar one day. She’s such a beautiful actress. She knows her craft so well, and it’s sad that something like religion can stop an individual from flourishing. Her future was so amazing in the industry. I would like to pass a message and I hope she reads it. ‘Don’t bother with hypocrites or judgmental people who criticize you and put you down. They are too shallow to recognize their own weaknesses. It’s easier for them to try to make others feel bad than to look in the mirror at their own pathetic behaviour.’
Ira Sone: It’s a very personal choice, and how you shape your life is your choice, but I think religion should not be a hindrance to pursue your career. Religion should, in fact, motivate you to go out there to live a happy and healthy life.
Angad Hasija: It is really very strange, because suddenly, you are leaving your career. I am religious, and even God has said that work is worship. Work is important, irrespective where you are working, be it a job or acting. My point of view is that it’s wrong, and I believe God himself has given you all that you have and you should not leave it for such reasons. I do respect Islam, but I don’t feel the decision is correct.
Aastha Chaudhary: I think if Zaira Wasim has taken such a decision, then we should accept and respect it rather than questioning it. There are many actresses who quit the industry after getting married. We don’t question them, then why her? It was her choice to join the industry, and it’s her choice to leave, whatever the reason may be.
