For whom the bell trolls

When Dangal actress Zaira Wasim issued a public apology on her Facebook account, after her meeting with Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti, it raised a furore. A shaken up Zaira, who is only 16 was forced to apologise.

Kashmiri supermodel Absar Zahoor expresses his angst and concern saying, “Zaira Wasim, we are with you! And no, you haven’t done anything wrong. At such a tender age, no one could have done what you have done. You’re only 16. I request all my family and friends in Kashmir and even outside to support the innocent Zaira Wasim. If today you keep quiet, then tomorrow it could happen with you. She’s the daughter of Kashmir. And that’s why I will support my li’l sister with all my heart, regardless of what people think. And no one has any right to judge her at this age. Stop being judgemental!”

Zaira Wasim who played the young Geeta Phogat in the film, met Mufti after she received appreciation from her on her performance, but soon the youngster was trolled on social media.    

Soon after Aamir Khan tweeted his support saying, “I can understand and imagine what led her to make that statement. I want you to know that we’re 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. I appeal to everyone to now leave her alone and respect the fact that she is just a 16 yr old girl trying her best to deal with life.”

Sufi artiste from Kashmir, Aabha Hanjura opines, “We really don’t know what went through the mind of a young little girl before she posted this, I am proud  that Zaira is a Kashmiri artiste and I loved her performance in Dangal. What has happened is unfortunate but this is not representative of Kashmiris at large. Many people have condemned the trollers and so do I. I think we must all Live and Let Live.”