Dia Mirza Questions Backlash Against BMC’s Pollution-Free Diwali Campaign: Why Be Critical Of Video In Public Interest

Dia Mirza has been a climate advocate for several years. With her unfiltered voice and power, the actress encourages a pollution-free standard of living. Ahead of Diwali 2026, she came on board to promote an initiative launched by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Joining hands with the civic body, Dia featured in a pollution-free Diwali video. However, certain ministers and authorities associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) objected. Amid the ruling party’s criticism, the video was removed from BMC’s official handles.

Dia finally broke her silence. While talking to reporters, the actress said, “Why should anyone be critical of a video that the Honourable Bombay High Court and BMC have made me record in public interest? Air pollution is an area of concern, and all efforts to reduce pollution should be welcomed because it’s a matter of public health.”

In the video promoted by BMC, Dia encouraged people to avoid bursting firecrackers and enjoy a pollution-free Diwali amid alarming AQI levels in the country. The video also featured Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actress Nishigandha Wad.

In the BMC video, Dia urged people to celebrate Diwali without harming the environment. “Diwali ki khushiyan manate waqt hume paryavaran, aur swastya ka bhi dhyan rakhna hai. Patakhon se hone wale dhwani aur vayu pradushan hum sabhi ke liye hanikarak hai. Mera aap sabhi se anurodh hai ki Diwali ko shor se nahi, khushiyon se manaiye. Aap sabhi ko Deepawali ki hardik shubhkamnayein,” she said.

Reacting to Dia’s anti-pollution Diwali campaign, BJP’s Ameet Satam tweeted, “@mybmc We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”

According to ANI, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde told reporters on November 2, 2026, that Dia has been opposing the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). “She has also spoken against efforts to address the environmental crisis—an area in which we ourselves have been working. She has even opposed statements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Consistently, her opposition appears to be directed against Hindutva. Regarding how Hindus should celebrate Diwali—we certainly do not need Dia Mirza to teach us. We know how to celebrate our own Diwali. You should focus on your selective agenda. The full picture is clear: you are against Hindutva. That is why we have strongly opposed her video; we do not need her to instruct us, as Hindus, on how to celebrate Diwali,” Tawde objected.