Zaira needs civil society support

The trolling of Zaira Wasim, who plays the younger Geeta Phogat in the Bollywood blockbuster Dangal, is despicable and deserves to be strongly condemned. Since Dangal’s release on December 23, Zaira has been widely praised for her mature and endearing performance. But a small section of people has subjected her to vicious criticism online, describing her work in the movie as un-Islamic, labelling her a devil and even cursing her and her family members. The trolling has forced her to apologise on Twitter and Facebook for her “recent actions,” presumably her meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. In all likelihood, the real target of those trolling Zaira is the Indian state and the J&K government. But whatever their grievance, why vent their anger and frustration on Zaira, who is a mere teenager? The young actor’s subsequent apology, too, has not been spared. It has drawn nasty comments from another group of trolls who are abusing her as an apologist of the Kashmiri separatists.

Trolls are always ugly. It is all the more contemptible when online bullies, who often hide behind the anonymity that the internet gives them, direct their venom against a 16-year-old girl. Some would argue that social media and trolling come hand in hand and those who join Twitter or Facebook should be ready to face criticism that comes from trolls. However, as in the case with Zaira, often trolling isn’t about criticism or airing a different opinion. It is intimidation and bullying aimed at frightening a person into retreating, silencing her, even breaking her spirit. It is an assault on individual freedom.Many will see Zaira’s experience as typical of the fate of young women and men in Kashmir, who are being targeted by social conservatives and Islamic bigots. Some years ago, trolls forced an all-girl Kashmiri rock band to disband. But this is not a problem restricted to Kashmir. A month ago, trolls targeted a Bollywood couple for their choice of a name for their newborn son. It is tempting to advise Zaira and other targets of trolls to remain silent and opt out of social media. That would be unfortunate as it would leave the social media space open for trolls to stomp around. At the same time, it is unfair to expect young Zaira to confront on her own the viciousness of the trolls. It is heartening that some film and sports celebrities have come out in strong defence of her. But this isn’t enough. She needs the support of civil society. We must defend Zaira’s right to be herself, make her own choices and speak her mind.