Dangal girl Zaira writes open letter apologising for meeting CM Mufti
The Kashmiri actress had received a lot of flak for having met with the Jammu & Kashmir CM.
Mumbai: Zaira Wasim, who played the younger Geeta Phogat in the critical and commercial blockbuster ‘Dangal,’ has written an open letter, reacting to the controversy surrounding her recent meeting with Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti. The 16-year-old Kashmiri actress had come in for a lot of backlash, post her meeting with the CM, so much so that she ended up apologising for unintentionally hurting people. She also ended up playing down her much acclaimed performance in 'Dangal,' saying that she is ‘not proud of it'.
The actress ended up deleting the post ultimately, though she did get a lot of support, after she shared her apology letter.
Omar Abdullah, one of Mufti's staunchest critics, came out in support of the young girl, calling the hatred coming her way unwarranted.
Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also came out in support of Zaira, who'll next be seen in Aamir Khan's 'Secret Superstar'.
Geeta Phogat, whom Zaira portrayed in Nitesh Tiwari's 'Dangal,' came out in support of the youngster.
"I just want to say that Zaira shouldn't apologise. She didn't do anything wrong. Just like we have made our country proud by winning medals, she has done the same thing by playing my younger version in the movie. She did a lot of hard work for that role and she played it really well.
"I've met her so many times during shoot; she is a very simple girl... I want to say to her family that don't be afraid about anything and just don't worry. We all are with them. The entire country stands with them. She equally deserves like us and we all respect her from the bottom of our hearts," Geeta said.
Her sister Babita herself was quite vocal about her support of Zaira.
"Dhaakad ladkiyon ka role kiya hai usne toh usko darne or sharminda hone ki koi zarurat nahi hai," Babita remarked, sharply.
Babita also went on to emphasise on the support that Zaira has across the nation, saying, "We also reached here by facing many hardships; want to tell Zaira Wasim she shouldn't be scared. The nation is with her."