Former Bollywood actor Zaira Wasim, who gained nationwide fame for her powerful performances in Dangal and Secret Superstar, has tied the knot. The 23-year-old announced on Friday night through an Instagram post after a long social media hiatus.

Zaira Returns to Instagram with ‘Qubool Hai’

Zaira shared two photos with the caption “Qubool Hai x3”, a phrase traditionally said during a Muslim marriage ceremony to signify acceptance. The pictures captured intimate moments from her nikaah — one showing the couple signing their marriage papers, and another showing them from behind, symbolizing their wish for privacy.

The actor chose to keep her husband’s identity undisclosed, neither showing his face nor mentioning his name. For her wedding, Zaira wore a bright red bridal outfit with intricate golden embroidery, reflecting classic Kashmiri wedding aesthetics.

This post marked Zaira’s return to Instagram after years of silence. Her last known appearance on social media dates back to when she stepped away from films in 2019, stating her desire to focus on her faith.

From Dangal to Stardom

Zaira Wasim’s rise in Bollywood was both swift and remarkable. She made her debut in the 2016 sports drama Dangal, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and starring Aamir Khan. The film, based on the real-life story of wrestler Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters, became one of India’s highest-grossing movies.

Zaira portrayed young Geeta Phogat, the daughter who went on to win India’s first gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games. Her performance was widely acclaimed, earning her the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Following Dangal, Zaira played the lead role in Secret Superstar (2017), a coming-of-age musical drama directed by Advait Chandan. The film centered around a young Muslim girl who dreams of becoming a singer while navigating societal and familial challenges. Her sensitive portrayal of the character Insia earned her critical praise and a strong fan following.

Decision to Leave Bollywood

Despite her growing success, Zaira shocked fans and the film fraternity in 2019 when she announced her decision to quit acting. In a heartfelt Facebook post, she wrote that her career was interfering with her faith and personal beliefs.

“I want to confess that I am not truly happy with this identity, that is, my line of work. For a very long time now, it has felt like I have struggled to become someone else,” she stated in her post.

The actor emphasized that while she was grateful for the love and recognition, fame and admiration felt spiritually “dangerous” for her. In another reflective post, Zaira mentioned,

“While I acknowledge with humility all the love people shower me with, I cannot emphasize enough how the praise that comes my way isn’t gratifying at all for me and how big a test it is for me and how dangerous it is for my Iman.”

Her decision drew mixed reactions — while many praised her courage to prioritize her beliefs, others expressed sadness over her departure from the industry.

Life Beyond the Spotlight

Since stepping away from films, Zaira has kept a low public profile, rarely making appearances or engaging with the media. Her focus, as she once expressed, has been on personal growth and spirituality.

Her latest post announcing her marriage suggests that she continues to value privacy and simplicity in her personal life. Fans, however, flooded her Instagram with congratulatory messages, celebrating her new beginning.

Although Zaira’s journey in Bollywood was brief, her performances in Dangal and Secret Superstar left an indelible mark on audiences and critics alike. Her career remains a notable example of talent, authenticity, and conviction in an industry known for glamour and fame.