Why Zaira Wasim’s actions have far reaching consequences for young Muslim women | The Indian Express

Why Zaira Wasim’s actions have far reaching consequences for young Muslim women | The Indian Express

Written by Swati Parashar, Prabha Rani |New Delhi |Updated: July 4, 2019 7:19:05 pm

Swati Parashar is Associate Professor in Peace and Development Research, Gothenburg University, Sweden. She tweets @swatipash.

Why Zaira Wasim’s actions have far reaching consequences for young Muslim women

What makes Zaira Wasim’s case different is the very lengthy confessional style explanatory letter which she shared through her Instagram account outlining her decision to quit her profession, which she argues, enabled an ‘environment that damaged her peace, iman and her relationship with Allah.’

Zaira Wasim said she was not happy with the line of work as it interfered with her faith and religion.
(Express file photo by Nirmal Harindran)

Zaira Wasim, an Indian actor from Kashmir, is at the centre of a heated debate over her decision to quit her acting career in Bollywood. This is not the first time that an actress has decided to leave her film career for other pursuits or personal engagements. Anu Aggarwal (of Aashiqui fame) and Bhagyashree (of Maine Pyar Kiya fame) were one-film wonders who left the industry for personal reasons. Twinkle Khanna opted out of the industry to become an interior designer and candle maker. We do not have a single instance of anyone making a public statement about quitting the field of any art form. What makes Wasim’s case different is the very lengthy confessional style explanatory letter which she shared through her Instagram account outlining her decision to quit her profession, which she argues, enabled an ‘environment that damaged her peace, iman and her relationship with Allah.’