B-town extends olive branch to Dangal girl Zaira Wasim

Mumbai: Support came from unexpected quarters for Bollywood actor Zaira Wasim, who had to tender an apology on social networking site Facebook, for meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Those who came out in support of the Dangal girl, included senior actor Anupam Kher, lyricist Javed Akhtar, choreographer Farah khan, playback singer Sony Nigam and filmmaker Ashok Pandit. Versatile actor Anupam took to Twitter to express support for the young actor. “Dear @zairawasim! Ur apology letter is sad but full of courage. It exposes d cowardice of people who made u write it. But u r my #RoleModel,' he said.

Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar also came out in support of the Dangal girl. 'Those who shout AZADI from the roof tops don’t give an iota of AZADI to others. Poor Zaira Waseem had to apologies for her success Shame!!,' he tweeted. Playback singer Sonu Nigam tweeted, 'May God give Sanity to this World. And a Bigger Perspective of Humanity beyond Religion and Patriotism. #ZairaWasim' Actress Pooja Bedi also expressed her support to Zaira. 'And now we even consider it our privilege to devour our young? Shame!#ZairaWasim needs to be celebrated not persecuted #Iamzaira.' 'Why was 16 yr old actor Zaira Wasim forced to apologise. Why bully a child??? Shameful.

We are living in an age of bullies EVERYWHERE ??????,' Choreographer and Director Farah Khan said. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit also came down heavily on rogue elements for pressurising and trolling teenage Dangal actress Zaira Wasim over her recent meeting with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Slamming such elements, Pandit said, 'It's shameful. What she has achieved no one can take that away from her. Whatever the few elements in Kashmir or Hurriyat conference say will not make any difference. The entire industry and country is standing by her. 'It is the responsibility of the local Kashmiri people and political parties to stand up with her and tell her that we are with you and please do whatever you want to do.

Few people in Kashmir want the next generation of Kashmiris to be a generation of stone throwers. 'So these are the threat perceptions. In such times, government has to stand by her side and put elements who issue such threats behind bars. This element of fanticism is all over and we will have to fight it.' Zaira's apology on Facebook left everyone shocked. The Dangal girl was ostensibly forced to say sorry for meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. Taking to the social media, she said, 'This is an open confession/apology.

I know that many people have been offended and displeased by my recent actions or by the people I have recently met.'…I understand the sentiments behind it, especially considering that what had happened over the past 6 months.' Zaira wrote. Wrestler Geeta Phogat, whom the actor essayed in Dangal, also came out in her support. Talking to a TV channel, Geeta said, 'She is a very good human being in real life too. If anything, Zaira Wasim is an excellent role model for the entire country. She needn't apologise for anything.' (UNI)