Phogat sisters call on Zaira Wasim to ignore trolls and focus on her work

New Delhi, [India], Jan. 16 (ANI): Olympian wrestler Geeta Phogat on Monday came out in support of actress Zaira Wasim, who essayed her character in the Bollywood blockbuster flick Dangal, asserting that the Kashmiri starlet must learn to ignore those trying to bring her down and continue to remain focused in her work. The 16-year-old actress today, issued an out-of-the-blue apology through her Facebook, Twitter account for hurting people's sentiments, resulting in a spree of reactions and speculations, as the reason for the apology remained unclear. Dubbing the incident as "unfortunate", Phogat expressed concerns, saying, "I want to convey to her that she doesn't need to worry about anything and there is no need to apologise to anyone. Even we, who come from a humble background, had to undergo such difficulties and were finally able to reach what we desired. So she needs to move forward and must ignore such things," Phogat told ANI. Resonating similar views, Geeta's younger sister Babita Phogat who is also an international-level wrestler asked Zaira to continue with her work and not get disturbed by such trolls. "I want to say to Zaira that there is no need to fear anyone, every citizen is with you. You are doing a tremendous work and keep doing such work," she said. Earlier today, shock and confusion ensued after Wasim released an apology letter on social media for 'unintentionally hurting' those who were 'offended' by her 'recent actions or by the people she recently met'. "I want them to know that I understand their sentiments, especially considering what has happened (in Kashmir) over the past six months," she said. Wasim also appealed to the people to understand that sometime certain circumstances evolve which cannot be controlled by anyone and added 'whatever' she did was not a deliberate decision. "I am being projected as a role model for Kashmiri youth. I want to make it very clear that I do not want anyone to follow in my footsteps or even consider me a role model. I'm not proud of what I'm doing and I want everyone, especially the youth to know, that there are real role models out there whether they be in this time or in our history," she said. However, she again issued another note clarifying that the she had not been forced into apologizing and requested everyone not to blow the matter out of proportion. "I have no idea why this has become such a big issue. I just wanted to make sure that I did not hurt anyone's feelings and all of a sudden it has been turned into national news. Again and again I am telling people that I have not been forced into anything by anyone," she said in her letter on Facebook and Twitter. She further said that her earlier post was not meant against anyone, adding she was making sure that no one gets hurt by what she is doing. "From media to everyone else, please don't blow this out of proportion. Neither was I forced nor am I against anyone," she said. Though the reason for her apology is not very clear, however it is being speculated that Wasim posted this note after being trolled on social media for meeting Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti a couple of days ago and purportedly crediting her for her film's success. (ANI)