'Dangal' was one of the most successful films of 2016, not just critically but commercially as well, which is loved and appreciated by people even today. The nation collectively cried and stood next to the on-screen Phogat sisters as they overcame each struggle to climb the ladder of success. While their struggles and achievements were empowering itself, the commendable performances of the actors made it worth the watch.

© Aamir Khan Productions

However, while on one hand, our hearts swell with pride when we see such inspiring stories on-screen, it sinks instantly when we realize that the reality is worse than anyone can ever imagine, even for the actors who portray such strong characters. 

On Sunday, while some of us woke up to a cup of tea or coffee, there were some who woke up to the shocking development that took place. Actress Zaira Wasim, who shot to fame for playing the young Geeta Phogat, was travelling in an Air Vistara flight from Delhi to Mumbai, when she was allegedly molested by a middle-aged man. In fact, she was so shocked with this incident that she broke down and was in tears during her live session on Instagram. 

© Instagram

The national award winner, Wasim, said in her post, “This is not done at all. This is not the way, this not how a girl should be made to feel because this is terrible. Is this how they are going to take care of girls? No one will help us if we don't decide to help ourselves. This is the worst thing.  

Somebody misbehaved with her in the flight ð¤ Strict actions must be taken on this incident ð¡ OMG she is Crying ð¢ We are with you @zairawasim_ .#share . . . . . . . #repost #flightattendant #misbehaving #terrible #actions #kashmir #india #indian #fools #live #zaira #zairawasim #bolllywood #video #viral #follow4follow #like4like #airport #fans

A post shared by zaira wasim (@zaira_wasimworld) on Dec 9, 2017 at 2:24pm PST

The 17-year-old actress further explained the incident in the video, “So, I was in a flight travelling from Delhi to Mumbai today and right behind me was one middle-aged man who made my two-hour journey miserable. I tried to record it on phone to understand it better because the cabin lights were dimmed, I failed to get it...” She further said, “...The lights were dimmed, so it was even worse. It continued for another five to ten minutes and then I was sure of it. He kept nudging my shoulder and continued to move his foot up and down my back and neck.”

In fact, she reportedly said that the airline staff did not help her. 

Vistara Airlines, one the other hand posted an official statement on Twitter, stating that they have “Zero tolerance for such behaviour” and that a probe is ongoing currently.  

Official Statement: Update #2 pic.twitter.com/9VQOjzGTOK

— Vistara (@airvistara) 10 December 2017

Though the investigation is going on currently, Twitter burst into anger and showered her with their support, proving that it is not just a mere platform for memes, but a medium that will always stand strong in solidarity with what's right. 

Don't bother reading social media replies to the News about what happened with #ZairaWasim . Publicity stunt, why not calling Police etc etc As usual, pure heartless Garbage. And people wonder why women don't speak up more often.

— José Covaco (@HoeZaay) 10 December 2017

SHAME N It's ALARMING ð ð ð¡

In Flight... All this happened...
It could happen with anybody, this time #ZairaWasim was there.. Next could be anyone.
I am SHOCKED by seeing @ZairaWasimmm 's Insta video ð¡@airvistara you should look into the matter with STRICT action.#RjAlok pic.twitter.com/Idg1USpCFS

— RJ ALOK (@OYERJALOK) 10 December 2017

#ZairaWasim you should have raised your objection and slapped that creep than and there shame them publicly this creeps have been brought up in such a mannerisms that they deserve public punishment you have done no wrong stop crying next time fight back hit them hard.

— abdul quadeer (@mmaq78) 10 December 2017

#ZairaWasim, so sorry about the Terrible and Unfortunate incident.
I'm glad you stood up to it and totally agree that 'Nobody will fight for us unless we dont do it ourselves!'#HumanRightsDay pic.twitter.com/7RmrCskgni

— Geetika Swami (@SwamiGeetika) 10 December 2017

#ZairaWasim.... We are with you. Such offenders should be banned from flight. This makes me sick none of educated elite controller passengers made and effort to help her. Shame on the educated.

— Basavaraj masur (@Basavarajmasur) 10 December 2017

Why didn't #ZairaWasim just get up and kick/slap this guy on camera????
Such men have to be shamed. Period.

— P R D (@PRIYARD) 10 December 2017

Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former CM Omar Abdullah too took to Twitter to condemn this incident and urged for a legal action to be taken against the passenger who misbehaved with Wasim. 

Any harassment/crime against women shld be dealt with swiftly & effectively. As a mother of 2 daughters I am appalled at what happened with @zairawasimz. Hope the relevant authorities take strict action @airvistara @Ashok_Gajapathi @jayantsinha

— Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) 10 December 2017

The passenger should be identified to the police by @airvistara & a case filed for legal action. None of this “he fell at my feet so I forgive him” rubbish! https://t.co/1umbBOOGAu

— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) 10 December 2017

Mumbai Police too responded to Mufti's appeal said that have recorded the statement and registering an FIR for the same. The case was registered under section 354 of the IPC (Indian Penal Code) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).