If you have watched Dangal -- or even if you have only watched the trailer -- it is unlikely that the actor who plays the young Geeta Phogat hasn't stood out for you. Aamir Khan and Sakshi Tanwar's stellar performances aside, the first half of the movie was held together by the debutantes Zaira Wasim, who plays the young Geeta Phogat, and Suhani Bhatnagar, who plays the young Babita Kumari.
Zaira and Suhani's chemistry and comic-timing are part of what make the first half of the film exceptional. From being a giggly, gol gappa loving schoolgirl to an undersized pahalwan who challenges and wrestles boys twice her size, Zaira played the young Geeta Phogat to a tee.
The 15-year-old Zaira, who hails from Kashmir, has been part of a couple of national television ads. She will also be part of Aamir Khan's next production, Secret Superstar.
Unlike what you may think at first, Zaira is not an all-achievement-and-no-fun kind of youngster. Like any other teenager, Zaira's Instagram and Dubsmash game is on point.
The Nirma jingle? Check. Finding Dory? Check. Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani? Check. She is acing Dubsmash.
As for her Instagram posts, from pictures with the cast of Dangal to chilling in the Valley, they've got a whole lot of swag.
Here's the teaser of her upcoming movie, Secret Superstar.
Can't wait to see more of you on screen, Zaira!