‘AAMIR IS MORE THAN A MENTOR’

Actor Zaira Wasim, who is based in Kashmir says she has no plans of moving to Mumbai

She will turn 17 on October 23, but Zaira Wasim has already made an impact, as an actor, in last year’s Dangal starring Aamir Khan. She also won a National Award for her breakthrough outing. As she prepares for her second outing, Secret Superstar, the Kashmiri teenager says she is a “shy and reserved” person. “But if you are an actor, you have to get out of the comfort zone,” says Zaira, as she talks about life, career and more.

After Dangal, you will be seen again on the big screen? Nervous or excited?

Actually, I am both at the same time (smiles). I just hope it receives the same amount of love that Dangal received. So, I’m hoping for the best.

This time, all the focus is on you. Does that make you anxious?

I strongly believe that I am not the actual ‘hero’ of the film; it’s the mother. Yes, the pressure is always there to dive into the character and to do justice to it. But I am sure that the film will do well.

How has your equation evolved with Aamir over the past two years?

It has definitely grown over the time. I am very fortunate that I’ve got to work with him twice. All the girls from Dangal are really close to him. Now, things have reached a point wherein he is just a call away. So, if we feel the need to speak to him, we know he is there. So, he is definitely more than a mentor.

Prashant Singh

By now, are you completely comfortable in the industry?

Absolutely. Before I entered the industry, there was a perception and impression that actors have the most luxurious life, and they don’t have to work hard, but now that I am in the industry, I understand how much hard work and dedication goes into being an actor.

Do you think people will compare Dangal (2016) and Secret Superstar (SS)?

Not really. I am quite sure that SS will be loved. It’s a beautiful story that defines the unfortunate reality of our life. I hope audiences understand the message that we are trying to send across.

Did you identify with your part in the film? Was it difficult to portray it?

Yes, it was definitely very tough for me. Initially, I couldn’t connect with the character and her surroundings. So, while my character has a dream that she struggles to achieve, I personally don’t have any such dream or a passion currently. Also, the environment she lives in is very hostile and her father is very patriarchal. But I come from a family where the girl child is pampered. My family has always supported me to become whatever I wanted to.

Music also seems to be an intrinsic part of the film...

Music plays a very important part in this film. So, another challenge was that I had to look like I was actually singing. I had to learn to play the guitar and I spent a lot of time with Meghna Mishra who has sung for me. I studied her thoroughly and observed her while she was singing. I didn’t want it to look like I was faking it on screen.

Earlier this year, when you were in the eye of controversy (she had to issue an apology after being trolled for meeting Jammu & Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti), you said that don’t intend to be a role model. Why?

It’s probably because of my own ideology. I don’t subscribe to the idea of a ‘role model’. I can’t comprehend the idea of a person dedicating his entire ideology, aspirations and dreams for another person, who they consider their role model but don’t even know about. I genuinely believe in a phrase that, ‘instead of following someone else’s footsteps or a path, build your own path’.

Was it sad the way the entire episode played out?

While I was writing and putting up the Facebook post, I was happy. But after that, I was upset with the way it was blown out of proportion. It was upsetting that there was an absolute misrepresent ation of actual things. Itwas nowhere close to how it was supposed to be. But the media blew it out of proportion and itwas disturbing. Now, I feel that it was a phase and I am happy that it has passed.

PHOTO: YOGEN SHAH Zaira Wasim