Indian Bollywood actors Aamir Khan (C) and Zaria Wasim pose for a photograph during a promotional event for the forthcoming Hindi film 'Dangal' directed by Nitesh Tiwari in Mumbai on November 12, 2016. -AFP FILE
Mumbai - Aamir took to Twitter to say that Zaira was a role model to children across the world.
Published: Tue 17 Jan 2017, 11:31 AM
Updated: Tue 17 Jan 2017, 1:46 PM
Bollywood star Aamir Khan on Tuesday described "Dangal" co-star Zaira Wasim, who came under attack after meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, as a "role model".
The superstar also asked her critics to leave her alone.
Aamir took to Twitter to say that Zaira, who played the role of young Geeta Phogat in "Dangal", was a role model to children across the world.
Zaira Wasim, who gave a sparkling performance in the Aamir Khan-starrer record-breaking movie, took to social media on Monday to post an apology for meeting Mehbooba Mufti.
After receiving accolade from the film industry and elsewhere, 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.
She took to social media on Monday to apologise for hurting the sentiments of fellow Kashmiris.
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."
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote in support of Zaira and tweeted: "A 16 year old shouldn't be forced to apologise & 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?"
Kashmir has been in a state of unrest since the July 8 killing of a militant commander Burhan Wani. His death sparked anti-India protests in the Valley, leading to a curfew being imposed in the region for almost two months.
Here's Zaira's full note:
"This is an open confession/apology. I know that many people have been offended and displeased by my recent actions or by the people I have recently met. I want to apologise to all those people who I've unintentionally hurt and I want them to know that I understand their sentiments behind it especially considering that what had happened over the past 6 months but I hope people can also understand there are certain circumstances that emerge which one cannot control and I hope people still remember that I'm a just a 16 year old girl and I hope you treat me accordingly.
I'm sorry for what I did but it was not a deliberate decision and I really hope people can forgive me. There are few more things which are very important and I want to clear them as well. The first and foremost thing is that I am being projected as a role model for Kashmiri Youth. I want to make it very clear that I do not want anyone to follow in my foot steps or even consider me 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.
To even consider me as a role model would be disgracing them and their disgrace would be OUR DISGRACE! I do not wish to start an argument here, this was a just a mere confession from my end which I really wanted people to know. May Allah bless us and guide us. "
After her apology, Twitterati was quick to come out in support of the 16-year-old with a trending hashtag 'StandWithZaira'. Some were appalled that she was forced to apologise. Aamir Khan, her Dangal co-star released a statement backing her:
"I have read Zaira's statement, and I can understand and imagine what lead 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 old girl trying her best to deal with life."
Zaira took to Facebook to post another clarification. She said that she wasn't forced to apologise and that the issue shouldn't be blown out of proportion.
nilanjana@khaleejtimes.com
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