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 just 19 years old, Zaira Wasim made a bold decision few young actresses dare: stepping away from Bollywood at the height of her promising career. Her journey began spectacularly with two consecutive hits that immediately established her as a notable talent in the industry. She made her debut in Aamir Khan’s critically acclaimed and commercially massive film Dangal, which became both a cultural phenomenon and a record-breaking success at the box office.

Dangal achieved several milestones, including becoming the highest-grossing Hindi film at the time, the highest-grossing Indian movie worldwide, and ranking among the top non-English and sports films globally. Produced on a budget of Rs 70 crore (approximately US$8.3 million), the film amassed between Rs 1,968 and 2,024 crore (roughly US$340 million) worldwide, with China contributing $216.2 million, making it one of the country’s top 20 highest-earning foreign films.

Wasim’s portrayal of the young Geeta Phogat, with Sana Fatima Shaikh playing the adult version, won widespread acclaim and made her a household name. Her performance earned her the National Award for Best Supporting Actress, marking a remarkable start to her career.

Consolidating Stardom with Secret Superstar

Zaira continued her winning streak with another Aamir Khan-backed project, Secret Superstar. The film, released in 2017, became one of the biggest box-office successes of the year, earning ₹875 crore and holding the record as the highest-grossing Hindi film with a female lead. Wasim’s performance as Insia Malik, an aspiring singer with big dreams, was praised for its depth and authenticity. Her portrayal not only won her the Filmfare Award for Best Actress (Critics) but also garnered her first nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress, further cementing her status as a talented young performer.

A Poignant Farewell with The Sky Is Pink

Zaira’s third and final film, The Sky Is Pink, presented her as Aisha Chaudhry, a real-life motivational speaker battling pulmonary fibrosis who tragically passed away at 19. Directed by Shonali Bose and co-starring Priyanka Chopra and Farhan Akhtar as Aisha’s parents, the film highlighted Zaira’s ability to carry emotionally challenging roles. Although it didn’t achieve major box-office success, her performance was widely appreciated, showcasing her talent and versatility.

Stepping Away for Faith

In 2019, Zaira surprised fans and the industry by announcing her retirement from acting. She explained that continuing in films conflicted with her spiritual beliefs and faith, and she could no longer reconcile the demands of her profession with her personal convictions. Her statement reflected a deep, thoughtful decision to prioritize her spiritual well-being over fame, despite the love, recognition, and applause she had received in her career.

New Beginnings

In 2025, Zaira embraced a new chapter in her personal life. On October 17, she announced her marriage through a heartfelt post on Instagram. The announcement featured touching images, including one of her signing the nikah nama and another capturing a serene moment with her partner, gazing at the moon together, symbolizing a graceful transition from her public life to a more private, meaningful journey.