Kashmiri actress Zaira Wasim of "Dangal" fame on Monday posted on social media an apology for meeting J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti -- an action for which she had been subjected to vicious trolling -- but later withdrew the apologia after receiving unstinted support from well-wishers including Bollywood celebrities and leading politicians.
After receiving accolade from the film industry and elsewhere for her work in "Dangal", the 16-year-old met Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday, who enquired about her education and interest in other creative fields like acting.
However, the Srinagar-based Zaira was trolled on social media when photos from the meeting emerged.
Without saying what she was sorry for, the actor wrote in her "open confession/apology" that she does not want anyone to follow in her footsteps or even consider her as a role model.
"I'm not proud of what I'm doing and I want everyone, especially the youth to know that there are real role models out there whether they be in this time or in our history."
But politicians like former J&K CM Omar Abdullah and film celebrities Javed Akhtar, Anupam Kher and Vivek Agnihotri came out in her support, lashing out at those who trolled her, questioning her 'azadi' (freedom) in the country.
Abdullah posted: "A 16 year old shouldn't be forced to apologise and that too allegedly for meeting Mehbooba Mufti. What are we coming to! I've a problem with Mehbooba Mufti trying to usurp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets?"
Akhtar wondered whether Zaira had 'azadi' to do as she wished and tweeted: "Those who shout 'azadi' from the roof tops don't give an iota of azadi to others. Poor Zaira Waseem had to apologise for her success. Shame!"
I've a problem with @MehboobaMufti trying to userp other peoples success to cover up her own failures but why punish/troll people she meets?
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 16, 2017
Anupam, too, expressed his support for the young actress, calling her his role model and posted: "Dear Zaira Wasim, your apology letter is sad but full of courage. It exposes the cowardice of people who made you write it. But you are my role model."
Agnihotri also shared instances from his past and lashed out at individuals for not taking a stand in support of Zaira.
Those who shout AZADI from the roof tops don't give an iota of AZADI to others .Poor Zaira Waseem had to apologies for her success Shame !!
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) January 16, 2017
Later, however, Zaira deleted the apology and posted a clarification -- but this, too, the actress took down later.
The now-deleted clarification read: "Regarding my last post, I have no idea why this has become such a big issue. I just wanted to make sure that I did not hurt anyone's feelings and all of a sudden it has been turned into national news. Again and again I am telling people that I have not been forced into anything by anyone.
"This post was not meant against anyone, just wanted to make sure that people were not hurt by what I was doing. From media to everyone else, please don't blow this out of proportion. Neither was I forced nor am I against anyone. Hopefully this post just stops this once and for all."
Olympian wrestler Geeta Phogat, who was among the main characters depicted in 'Dangal' meanwhile, supported the actress and appreciated Zaira's acting skills despite not being a sportsperson.
"There is no need for Zaira to issue an apology. She has not done anything wrong. We have made the nation proud by winning medals. It is a proud moment for the citizens of the country. Zaira has worked hard to play my role," Geeta was quoted as saying by Times Now channel.
If #ZairaWasim has to apologise then the whole India should apologise to her.
— Darab Farooqui (@darab_farooqui) January 16, 2017
"Wrestling is not an easy sport. Despite not being a wrestler herself or a sportswoman, Zaira played the role realistically. The way people are respecting me, Zaira also deserves respect."
"I had met her during the shootings. And, after that we have met so mnay times. Zaira is a simple girl. She used to ask about how we fought in wrestling. She has done wonderful wrestling in the movie," she added.
Commenting on the people who are abusing the actress on social media, Geeta said: "Zaira should not be afraid. We are there with her. The role she played is very respectful."
Zaira rose to fame as young Geeta Phogat in the Aamir Khan blockbuster "Dangal" which has been lauded by the audiences for its powerful portrayal of the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat, who, much to the disapproval of his wife and his whole village, trained his daughters Geeta and Babita to wrestle.
JAVED AKHTAR, VIVEK AGNIHOTRI QUESTION 'AZADI' FOR ZAIRA
Writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and Bollywood director Vivek Agnihotri expressed their disappointment with individuals for trolling Kashmiri actress Zaira Wasim for meeting state Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, and they even questioned the ideology of 'azadi' (freedom) in India.
After receiving accolades from the film industry and elsewhere for her performance in "Dangal", the 16-year-old met Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday, who enquired about her education and interest in other creative fields like acting.
I don't know why Zaira Wasim is being trolled for meeting J&K CM!! Wasn't Mehbooba Mufti elected by we(Kashmiris) only??#standwithzaira
— Zehra Shafi (@Zehra_Shafi) January 16, 2017
However, the Srinagar-based Zaira was trolled on social media when photos from the meeting emerged.
She took to social media on Monday to apologise for hurting the sentiments of fellow Kashmiris.
Akhtar and Agnihotri came forward to express their anger on social media about the same.Shocking & unfair that 16-year-old Dangal actor Zaira Wasim forced to apologise by trolls. She met the CM, not Hafiz Saeed! #StandWithZaira
— Sayoni Aiyar (@sayoniaiyar) January 16, 2017
Akhtar tweeted: "Those who shout 'azadi' from the roof tops don't give an iota of azadi to others. Poor Zaira Waseem had to apologise for her success. Shame!"
Agnihotri also shared instances from his past and lashed out at individuals for not taking a stand for Zaira.
India's spineless #JeSuisCharlie crowd that takes 0 personal risks for themselves & their dear ones now tweeting #StandWithZaira #hypocricy
— Chitra Subramaniam (@chitraSD) January 16, 2017
"Last year, I was shooting with Yami Gautam and other Kashmiri girls in the valley, they came armed to kill those girls. This is the reality of Kashmir," Agnihotri posted.
He added: "I haven't seen Barkha Dutt and other liberals ever raise voice against the suppression of Kashmiri girls who aren't allowed to work. So much talent in Kashmir but suppressed by separatist or terrorists. Why didn't any feminist ever raise voice?"
A Twitter user questioned Agnihotri about why Bollywood celebrities did not say anything and support Zaira.
Just thinking what was going through her mind before posting the apology 😑 #ZairaWasim https://t.co/vnnqwpxjCl
— Moody Allen (@rohanghuge) January 16, 2017
Agnihotri responded: "When I raised this issue after being almost killed by such men, no one spoke up. People who shoot in Kashmir also don't raise the issue. Sad."
Zaira Wasim is a talented young girl to who has brought laurels to her community. She ought to be celebrated not demeaned #StandWithZaira
— Shakir Mir (@shakirmir) January 16, 2017
Pragaash girls were hounded out of Kashmir some years ago. The world deprived of a fine band. The brave #ZairaWasim now being targeted.
— Siddhartha Gigoo (@siddharthagigoo) January 16, 2017
Really unfortunate that #ZairaWasim is being trolled for meeting the Chief Minister of her state. Jihadism has consumed the state completely
— Sunanda Vashisht (@sunandavashisht) January 16, 2017
#ZairaWasim
— Salman Siddiqui (@salluman) January 16, 2017
Dear Zaira u r an inspiration to million of Muslims like me .
Keep rocking & keep inspiring....
We've really came a long way. From empowering women to making a 16 yo girl apologize for being a role model. #ZairaWasim #Zaira #Kashmiri
— Vijay 🇮🇳 (@vi_jaykumar) January 16, 2017
