‘Dangal’ actress Zaira Wasim brings cheer to Valley

Rifat Mohidin

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Tribune News Service

Srinagar, April 7

Zaira Wasim, a 15-year-old Kashmiri actress who played Aamir Khan’s on-screen daughter in Bollywood film ‘Dangal’, has bought laurels back home by winning the ‘Best Supporting Actress’ trophy at the 64th National Film Awards.

In the film, Zaira portrayed the role of Geeta Phogat (first woman wrestler from India to have won a gold in the 55-kg freestyle category at the 2010 Commonwealth Games), daughter of Mahavir Singh Phogat (played by Aamir Khan).

The whole Valley is rejoicing the feat of the young actress.

“Getting the National Award at this age is a proud moment for us and we are very happy for it. She has an amazing family support. She will go to places,” said Abrar Zahoor, a young actor and Zaira’s cousin.

“She is very young and has once again proved that Kashmiri children despite living in difficult situation possess great talent. We love and support Zaira. She has made us proud,” said a 25-year-old student, Sadaf Khan.

Praise pours in

Congratulatory messages poured in for Kashmiri actor Zaira Wasim after she was declared the Best Supporting Actor at the 64th National Awards for her role in Aamir Khan-starrer ‘Dangal’.

“Congratulations to Zaira Wasim who was named the Best Supporting Actor for her role in #Dangal,” former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah wrote on twitter.

Media consultant to the J&K Government Suhail Bukhari also sent a congratulatory message to the teenaged actor.

“Many congratulations to @zairawasimz for winning the national award for the best supporting actress. Proud. More power to you,” he wrote on his Twitter handle.

Zaira, who played the role of young wrestler Geeta Phogat, has got accolades for her role in the movie but faced online heat for meeting Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti earlier this year.

She posted an apology letter on one of her social media accounts following online trolling by some people for meeting the Chief Minister.

However, she deleted the post after it became a national news headline.

— With inputs from PTI