A day after Zaira Wasim, a Kashmiri actor who recently starred in the super hit Dangal, put up a post on Facebook apologising for meeting J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti- and later deleted it- co-star Aamir Khan took to social media to voice his support for her.
In his note, Khan said, "I have read Zaira's statement, and I can understand and imagine what led her to make that statement. Zaira, I want you to know that we are all with you. The beauty is that bright, young, talented, hardworking, respectful, caring, and courageous kids like you are a role model for kids not only in India, but across the world. You certainly are a role model for me! May god bless you. Love. Aamir. P.S.: I appeal to everyone to now leave her alone and respect the fact that she is just a 16 yr (sic) old trying her best to deal with life."
On Monday, Zaira published a post to apologise for hurting the sentiments of fellow Kashmiris. She had been subjected to vicious trolling after her meeting with Mehbooba Mufti.
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) January 17, 2017
Without saying what she was sorry for, the actor wrote in her "open confession/apology" that she does not want anyone to follow 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."
Hinting that the apology may have to do with her recent meeting with the CM, the post stated: "I know many people have been offended and displeased by my recent actions or people I have recently met... I understand the sentiments behind it especially considering what had happened over the past 6 months."
Later, however, Zaira deleted the apology and posted a clarification- but this, too, the actor 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."
Zaira also found support from several quarters, including from artistes and even politicians.
A 16 year old shouldn't be forced to apologise & that too allegedly for meeting @MehboobaMufti. What are we coming to!!!!! https://t.co/MFz3ZKykV1
— Omar Abdullah (@abdullah_omar) January 16, 2017
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
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
Dear @zairawasim, as a fellow #Indian, #Kashmiri & #Artist, I truly believe that if #India, especially J&K, needs a role model -it's YOU.
— Raj Pandit (@rajpandit17) January 16, 2017
pic.twitter.com/9MLK2DJkXY
To those demanding #Azadi in #Kashmir. U seem fundamentally undemocratic, bigoted n incapable of respecting any1 else's freedom #ZairaWasim
— Swara Bhaskar (@ReallySwara) January 16, 2017
Dichotomy of ultra liberals...evident when Meryl Streep spoke but silent when #ZairaWasim gets trolled,is our zaira's voice not loud enough?
— Madhur Bhandarkar (@imbhandarkar) January 17, 2017
Dear @zairawasim! Ur apology letter is sad but full of courage. It exposes d cowardice of people who made u write it.But u r my #RoleModel. pic.twitter.com/fCF2zlzvzC
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) January 16, 2017
She rose to fame as young Geeta Phogat in 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.
(IANS inputs)