Acontroversy has erupted in Mumbai after the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its ‘pollution-free Diwali’ campaign.
The decision followed objections from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam, who criticized Mirza’s inclusion, stating that people know how to celebrate Diwali without external lessons.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale weighed in, emphasizing that while Mirza is Muslim, the issue is not religious. He highlighted India’s constitutional right to celebrate festivals, noting the importance of traditions like bursting firecrackers for Diwali, while also acknowledging pollution concerns. BJP MLC Shrikant Bharatiya urged Mirza to introspect within her own community’s practices before commenting on Hindu festivals, reiterating that Indians understand how to celebrate their traditions.
Shiv Sena National Spokesperson Shaina NC, while acknowledging the importance of being mindful of pollution, subtly referenced Mirza’s name meaning ‘light’ in the context of Diwali, the ‘Festival of Lights’. The BMC’s campaign, which also featured celebrities like Madhuri Dixit and Ajinkya Rahane, aimed to encourage an eco-friendly Diwali in response to a Bombay High Court directive on rising air pollution. Satam’s strong criticism led to the video’s removal, intensifying the debate over cultural practices and environmental awareness.