Zaira Wasim quits Bollywood: Anupam Kher says actress' move 'must have demoralised so many others'

Dangal star Zaira Wasim’s decision to quit her career on grounds that it was interfering in her faith has propelled her to the centre of intense debate with industry insiders and others speaking out, some backing her and others criticising her. The Kashmir-born teen, who touched a surprising chord across the country and was trending on social media, announced her “disassociation” from the field of acting in a now-viral Facebook post on Sunday and reiterated it on Monday. Wasim’s decision to quit after just three films led to reactions from various quarters , with National Conference vice president Omar Abdullah, and actors Raveena Tandon , Anupam Kher and writer Taslima Nasreen among those weighing in with their views. “If she has taken this decision in the name of religion then maybe this is not her decision. Maybe she is forced to take that decision, that was my first thought. But it is her life, if she wants to take that decision, I respect her decision. I think we should leave her alone,” Kher told ANI.  [caption id=“attachment_6931191” align=“alignnone” width=“825”] Anupam Kher (left) and Zaira Wasim. Image from Twitter[/caption] In a recent interaction with News18, Kher spoke on the issue, confessing that he felt bad Zaira had quit. “I hope she had continued. She was a hope for so many youngsters in Kashmir. On one hand we celebrate the inclusion of a Kashmiri boy in our cricket team, and another judo player, and on the other hand, here, Zaira must have demoralised so many other people,” Kher said. The actor added that being public personalities, Bollywood actors had a responsibility towards their fans. “This to clarify that none of my social media accounts were or are hacked and are being handled by me personally. Kindly refrain from believing or sharing claims that state otherwise. Thanks,” she wrote on Twitter in response to some comments that her account was hacked. TV actor Iqbal Khan said Zaira’s decision should not be viewed through the religious prism. Stand-up comedian Abijit Ganguly pointed out the irony in Wasim’s decision to quit films because of religion. “I was thinking Zaira Wasim should see this beautiful movie highlighting how no religion or family pressure should stop a child from doing what makes them creatively happy. What was the name of that movie. Arre Haan, Secret Superstar. Oh wait, who was in that movie again?” he said. Filmmaker Onir said while he respected Wasim’s decision, he wished it did not come along with a lecture on “good way of life”. Actor Raveena Tandon did not take Wasim’s name but criticised her “regressive views” in a now-deleted tweet. “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,” Tandon had earlier tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)