She won National Award at 17, starred in two blockbusters that earned more than Rs 2,500 crore. Yet her career ended at 19. Why?

At simply 19 years previous, Zaira Wasim made a daring determination few younger actresses dare: stepping away from Bollywood on the peak of her promising profession. Her journey started spectacularly with two consecutive hits that instantly established her as a notable expertise within the trade. She made her debut in Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed and commercially huge movie Dangal, which grew to become each a cultural phenomenon and a record-breaking success on the field workplace.

Dangal achieved a number of milestones, together with changing into the highest-grossing Hindi movie on the time, the highest-grossing Indian film worldwide, and rating among the many prime non-English and sports activities movies globally. Produced on a funds of Rs 70 crore (roughly US$8.3 million), the movie amassed between Rs 1,968 and a pair of,024 crore (roughly US$340 million) worldwide, with China contributing $216.2 million, making it one of many nation’s prime 20 highest-earning international movies.

Wasim’s portrayal of the younger Geeta Phogat, with Sana Fatima Shaikh enjoying the grownup model, received widespread acclaim and made her a family title. Her efficiency earned her the Nationwide Award for Greatest Supporting Actress, marking a outstanding begin to her profession.

Consolidating Stardom with Secret Famous person

Zaira continued her profitable streak with one other Aamir Khan-backed undertaking, Secret Superstar. The movie, launched in 2017, grew to become one of many largest box-office successes of the 12 months, incomes ₹875 crore and holding the report because the highest-grossing Hindi movie with a feminine lead. Wasim’s efficiency as Insia Malik, an aspiring singer with large goals, was praised for its depth and authenticity. Her portrayal not solely received her the Filmfare Award for Greatest Actress (Critics) but in addition garnered her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Greatest Actress, additional cementing her standing as a gifted younger performer.

A Poignant Farewell with The Sky Is Pink

Zaira’s third and last movie, The Sky Is Pink, offered her as Aisha Chaudhry, a real-life motivational speaker battling pulmonary fibrosis who tragically handed away at 19. Directed by Shonali Bose and co-starring Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar as Aisha’s mother and father, the movie highlighted Zaira’s capacity to hold emotionally difficult roles. Though it didn’t obtain main box-office success, her efficiency was extensively appreciated, showcasing her expertise and flexibility.

Stepping Away for Religion

In 2019, Zaira shocked followers and the trade by saying her retirement from acting. She defined that persevering with in movies conflicted together with her religious beliefs and religion, and he or she may now not reconcile the calls for of her career together with her private convictions. Her assertion mirrored a deep, considerate determination to prioritize her religious well-being over fame, regardless of the love, recognition, and applause she had obtained in her profession.

New Beginnings

In 2025, Zaira embraced a brand new chapter in her private life. On October 17, she introduced her marriage by means of a heartfelt publish on Instagram. The announcement featured touching photographs, together with considered one of her signing the nikah nama and one other capturing a serene second together with her associate, gazing on the moon collectively, symbolizing a sleek transition from her public life to a extra personal, significant journey.