Best known as Simmi from Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, television actress Shireen Mirza recently took to Instagram to share her disappointment about not being able to find a house in Mumbai because she’s a Muslim single woman, who acts. She wrote:
I don’t deserve to get a house in Mumbai because I’m M B A – MUSLIM, BACHELOR, ACTOR. This pic was taken when I came here with a dream of living in Mumbai and now After spending almost 8 years in this city this is what I get to hear.. Firstly, Yes I’m an Actor and I do not Smoke or drink and I have no criminal records. So, How can they judge my character on the basis of my profession?? Second, I’m a bachelor and when I call brokers they ask me higher rents for the flats which are available saying Pay extra or u won’t get it since ur a Bachelor. My question is nuisance can be created by families too??? Third, I called up another person and they ask me wether I am a Hindu or a Muslim and reverted back with an answer that Muslims are not preferred. They also mentioned that take the flat on ur friend’s name who’s not a Muslim. I mean what’s in a name??? There’s no difference in the blood. Renting or buying a property in the city that never sleeps. Mumbai which prides itself on its cosmopolitan character is divided on basis of religion, profession and marital status?? I’m shocked to see that Mumbai which has given me so much that I don’t stop praising about Mumbai by calling it Aamchi Mumbai still doesn’t have a place for me and so many of us coming from out of town still struggling with identity crises. With a heavy heart and after many refusals my question is Do I belong to this city ?? #supportandshare
It’s very unfortunate that even in this era, people make their decisions on the basis of caste, profession and relationship status. We hope Shireen finds a gorgeous home in the beautiful city of Mumbai very soon!