Zaira Wasim quits Bollywood: Siddharth says ‘maybe you didn’t belong here’ in outspoken post; Nagma & Harleen Sethi praise the Dangal actor

Zaira Wasim has been at the receiving end of intense trolling and abuses ever since she announced her decision to quit the film industry for religious reasons. However, some celebrities are coming out in support of the ‘Dangal’ actress. Siddharth, Nagma and Harleen Sethi were some of the names from the film industry who also reacted. The ‘Rang De Basanti’ actor said she had the right to make her own decisions, but if they were because of religious reasons, she probably never belonged to the film industry. Nagma and Harleen praised the teenager for her work in films. 

READ: Zaira Wasim's Bollywood Exit | "If She's Taken The Decision Based On Religion, Then Maybe She Was Forced To," Says Anupam Kher Expressing His Sadness

After the news of Zaira quitting Bollywood made national headlines on Sunday, Siddharth tweeted, “It's your life. Do whatever you want. Wish you only the best for your future. I believe our art and our profession is our life. We fight to keep religion out of it. It doesn't belong here. If your religion made you do this, maybe you didn't belong here after all. "Godspeed".” 

Actor-politician Nagma tweeted, “#ZairaWasim is a courageous girl who defied stereotypes & shined through. We must appreciate her courage & stand with her in her moment of crisis @ZairaWasimmm you hv our support . We love you for work you did and your spirit keep it alive. Wish you well and want u to be happy .” 

Harleen, while avoiding a comment on Zaira’s reason to quit the industry, said, “I won't comment on her reasons for quitting.. to each their own.. but all I'd like to say is I've adored her on screen, her natural flair for performance and the honesty in her eyes as she plays her roles so convincingly.. #ZairaWasim u will be missed .” 

READ: 'The Dog Ate My Homework Grows Up To Become...': Omar Abdullah Tweets Amid False Reports Of Zaira Wasim's Account Getting Hacked

Zaira in a heartfelt note on Sunday, the day she completed 5 years in the industry, announced her ‘dissociation’ with Bollywood since she was not happy with her profession. The actor said it was exhausting for her to ‘work in an environment that consistently interfered’ with her ‘imaan’ and because of which her ‘relationship’ with her ‘religion was threatened.’ 

Zaira’s decision led to a flurry of reactions from not just Bollywood stars, but also politicians. The actress’ last film ‘The Sky is Pink’ makers extended their support to her, while Raveena Tandon took a dig at the youngster, terming her ‘two film old’ ‘ungrateful’ to the industry and called her reasons as ‘regressive’.

Anupam Kher felt ‘saddened’ by her decision since her ‘dreams were crushed’ and even felt she could’ve been pressurised, as reports have claimed. 

Mukesh Bhatt was of the opinion that there wasn’t too much to read over the row since every person is free to enter the industry and leave whenever they wish to.  

Leaders from the political field, like Omar Abdullah supported her move while Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi slammed her.  

National Conference’s Farooq Abdullah felt the decision could’ve been due to the tough working conditions of the industry.  

NCP leader Majeed Memon stated her decision could’ve been prompted due to contempt for her by the industry. 

Samajwadi Party's MP ST Hassan taking a hardline approach to the issue stated that 'Muslim women can't flaunt their skin'.