Purely a personal choice: Former Indian actor Zaira Wasim supports niqab

Actor shared personal experiences when Twitterati trolled a picture of a woman eating while wearing niqab

In a recent incident that sparked a heated debate online, former Bollywood actor Zaira Wasim took a stand against an individual who questioned a woman's decision to eat while wearing her niqab. The Dangal actor emphasised that wearing the niqab is purely a personal choice, and gave an example of how she chooses to do it at weddings as well.

The incident unfolded when a picture emerged on social media, depicting a woman dining with her right hand while using her left to hold her niqab in place. A Twitter user, seemingly perplexed, commented, "Is this a choice of a human being?"

Is this a choice of a human being? pic.twitter.com/AnGl0Jhu2G

— Azzat Alsaleem (@AzzatAlsaalem) May 27, 2023

To which, Wasim replied and shared her own experience. "Just attended a wedding. Ate exactly like this. Purely my choice. Even when everyone around me kept nagging me I take the niqab off. I didn't. We don't do it for you. Deal with it,” she wrote.

Just attended a wedding. Ate exactly like this. Purely my choice. Even when everyone around me kept nagging me that I take the niqab off. I didn’t.

We don’t do it for you. Deal with it. https://t.co/Gu9AXQka8v

— Zaira Wasim (@ZairaWasimmm) May 28, 2023

Wasim’s blunt and straightforward reply garnered support from many fans, who echoed her sentiment. One tweet in solidarity declared, "Stop telling her what to do and what not, it's her life and her belief, so leave her alone."

Stop telling her what to do what not, it’s her life and her belief so leave her alone.

— Asif N. (@Photos_by_Asif) May 29, 2023

Another user expressed admiration. "Respect for you. Respect for the sister who is in the picture and eating under the veil,” read the tweet.

This is not the first time the Secret Superstar actor has expressed her views on matters related to religious attire. Last year, she shared her perspective on the hijab controversy, expressing discontent with the common notion that wearing the hijab is merely a personal choice. She believes that, for many, it is not a choice but an obligation in Islam, driven by faith and a commitment to God. Wasim further criticised the bias against Muslim women, highlighting the injustices they face when forced to choose between education and religious practices.

Wasim, who made her Bollywood debut in the critically acclaimed film Dangal alongside Aamir Khan, has since appeared in movies like Secret Superstar and The Sky is Pink. However, in 2019, she made headlines by announcing her decision to step away from her acting career.

The incident involving Zaira's strong response to the Twitter user's question serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal choices and religious beliefs. It also reignites the ongoing conversation surrounding cultural diversity and the need to foster a society that embraces individuality and mutual understanding.