Dangal's Zaira Wasim SLAMS Bihar CM Nitish Kumar for pulling down doctor's hijab: 'As a muslim woman..'

Zaira Wasim, know for her stint in Dangal, Secret Superstar and more has strongly criticised the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, after a video from an official function in Patna began circulating widely online. In the footage, Mr Kumar is seen handing a certificate to a woman doctor and at the same time reaching towards her head covering and pulling it down. Many people were taken aback by what they saw, and the clip quickly drew sharp responses from activists, politicians, and others across social media.

The moment was captured on camera and shared broadly, prompting considerable debate about respect and conduct during formal events. Observers pointed out that the doctor’s personal space and religious expression appeared to be treated without proper regard at a public programme. Voices from various backgrounds raised serious questions about the implications of such behaviour coming from a senior elected official.

In response to the widely shared video, Zaira Wasim took to the social platform X, which used to be known as Twitter, to express her deep concern. Known for speaking on subjects that involve faith, dignity, and moral values, she made it clear that the scene was upsetting and should not be dismissed lightly.

In her message, she stressed that a woman’s self respect and personal modesty should not be treated as objects for amusement or casual handling. She wrote, 'A woman’s dignity and modesty are not props to toy with. Least of all on a public stage.' Her words reflected a firm stance against what she saw as a serious breach of respect for another woman in a public setting.

Zaira also called for action from Mr Kumar himself. She insisted that the Chief Minister owes the doctor an apology without any conditions. Speaking from her own perspective, she added, 'As a Muslim woman, watching another woman’s niqab being pulled at so casually, accompanied by that nonchalant smile, was so infuriating. Power does not grant permission to violate boundaries. @NitishKumar owes that woman an unconditional apology.'

The reaction from Zaira drew strong support from many users online, who agreed that people in positions of authority should conduct themselves with greater care and sensitivity when interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. However, a few others also sided by the CM of Bihar. The incident has led to ongoing discussion about respect for religious identity and personal space in official contexts.

Zaira left the world of mainstream Hindi films in 2019 after stating that her personal beliefs were not aligned with the demands of the industry. Since then, she has used her public voice to speak on topics that matter to her, including the importance of respect, religious freedom, and personal choice. This latest response is another example of her continuing engagement with issues that resonate deeply with many people.