That girl from the Valley

Shoma A. Chatterji

Zaira Wasim is on cloud nine. The 17-year-old Kashmiri girl was conferred with the National Child Award for Exceptional Achievement in the field of performing arts by the President of India on Children’s Day. She had also won the National Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Dangal, besides Zee Entertainment Award for the Best Child Artist 2017. Excerpts from an interview with her:

You don’t have any background in cinema. How has your journey in Bollywood been?

I used to be a very shy girl and often got tongue-tied among people. Then, one day, I found myself performing the protagonist in a school play. Around that time, the casting director of Dangal had come to Kashmir to scout for girls to play one of the main roles. I was asked to come to Mumbai for the audition. But even a month after that, when I was informed that my name has been kept in the shortlist, it was disheartening. They told me I would have to stay in Mumbai for six months, which meant remaining away from school and family without even knowing if I would get the role. But finally, I was chosen to play the younger Gita Phogat.

How was the experience of playing such diverse roles in Dangal and Secret Superstar?

For Dangal, I had to take wrestling lessons which demanded a lot of hard work. Secret Superstar demanded that I learn playing the guitar, besides singing also. I always wanted to learn the guitar so it was a welcome experience. Dangal tested my physical strength while Secret Superstar was emotionally challenging. 

The general impression is people in Kashmir are very conservative, especially when it comes to girls. What is your take on this?

People outside Kashmir have preconceived notions about Kashmiris. No doubt they are extremely sensitive and hold a dozen different opinions. But I love them all the same and I am a part of that mindset. My personal experience has been very progressive. My father holds a high-end corporate job and my mother is a teacher. My parents have never stopped me from doing whatever I wanted to. My father was concerned about my getting into films and living in Mumbai so he insisted that he come along. It was not because he was conservative but because he was concerned about my safety and security in a big city like Mumbai.

How did it feel to win the National Award for your debut film Dangal?

I came to know much later in the day that I had won it because I was sleeping while my cell kept on receiving dozens of messages either congratulating me or asking me why I had not told them. It was incredible. I just could not believe that I had won this award with my first performance. I had no clue what the National Award was all about because I hardly watch films. Then, slowly, the reality seeped in.

Two films. Two hits, two national awards. All in a brief span of one year. What next?

I am studying in Class 11 and have only studies on my mind. I have no idea what I will do next. I never plan ahead. I will go with the flow and take life as it comes.