Tanushree Dutta has spoken out in support of Dangal actor Zaira Wasim’s decision to quit Bollywood over religious concerns. On 30 June, the actor claimed in a lengthy Instagram post that her Bollywood career threatened her relationship with her faith.
"I kept procrastinating by tricking and deluding my conscience into the idea that I know what I am doing doesn't feel right but assumed that I will put an end to this whenever the time feels right and I continued to put myself in a vulnerable position where it was always so easy to succumb to the environment that damaged my peace, 'imaan' and my relationship with Allah (God)," Zaira wrote.
Tanushree has praised Zaira’s decision to dissociate herself from Bollywood. She said in a statement that she “couldn’t help but wonder if Zaira’s true calling in life is in fact to be a young spiritual leader of some sort guiding young Muslim kids to the true knowledge of Allah and the Quran.” She called Zaira a “voice of reason” in an age when the youth is being corrupted through “fanaticism and aggressive violent ideologies”. “Clearly, her understanding and grasp on religion are far superior to what I have seen so far amongst seasoned clerics even,” she said. “Perhaps it’s due to her youthful innocence and I pray it remains that way and she receives more grace and wisdom from the Almighty to share with others,” she added.
As for those who have criticised her decision, Tanushree asks that they “cut her some slack as she is only a teenager.” She said that Zaira should be allowed to do what her heart pleases without having to face judgement from others. “If she has found her peace who are we to judge? One thing I must add if I may that I hope she continues to present herself as she is to be able to connect and resonate universally with youth and people of all ethnicities and backgrounds and whatever she decides to do with her life she has all the support from her well-wishers,” Tanushree concluded.
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