Former actress Zaira Wasim, known for her role in the 2016 film Dangal and her decision to quit acting in 2019, citing conflict with her faith, has strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for removing a Muslim woman's hijab during a public event on December 15, 2025. In a detailed social media post, Wasim expressed being "infuriated" by the viral video showing Kumar tugging down the face-covering niqab of AYUSH doctor Nusrat Parveen while distributing appointment letters at the CM's secretariat. She described the act as a violation of the woman's modesty and dignity, stating that such personal choices are not "props to toy with" for public display or approval.

Wasim demanded an "unconditional apology" from the 74-year-old Chief Minister, emphasising that power does not grant anyone the right to infringe upon a woman's autonomy or religious practices. She argued that the incident reflects deeper issues of respect for individual faith and bodily rights, questioning how leaders can justify interfering with a woman's choice of attire under the guise of encouragement or paternalism. The actress highlighted the broader implications for women's safety and freedom in a diverse society.

The controversy stems from the event where Kumar interacted with select appointees, gesturing at Parveen's veil and pulling it down before she could fully respond, prompting laughter from some attendees and an apparent attempt by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary to intervene. While JD(U) leaders defended it as affectionate encouragement to showcase a "successful daughter," opposition parties and activists labelled it as disrespectful and potentially unconstitutional.

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Wasim's intervention has amplified the national discourse, drawing attention from celebrities, women's rights groups, and political commentators who view the act as patronising at best and harassing at worst. Her post resonated widely, reigniting debates on gender autonomy, religious freedom, and accountability for public figures.

As calls for Kumar's apology grow, including from AIMIM and other opposition voices, the incident underscores ongoing sensitivities around minority rights and women's agency in Indian politics.

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