Dia Mirza has never shied away from taking a stand for environmental causes. However, her recent campaign to encourage pollution-free Diwali landed her in trouble. The actress had teamed up with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to spread awareness amid rising concern regarding the AQI in India. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde came down heavily on Mirza and said in a press conference that she has been banned from BMC-related programs and initiatives. She also shared that the video was uploaded without her approval and its removal should serve as a ‘lesson’ to the actress.
Mumbai Mayor bans Dia Mirza from BMC portal, activities
At the press conference, Tawde said in Hindi that before approaching actors for public awareness campaigns, the mayor must be informed. “Yeh list mere paas aayi nahi aur directly unhone MyBMC ke portal pe daali hai. (The list for this video was not approved by me and it was directly uploaded on MyBMC portal.)”
When a reporter questioned her about supporting a woman, Tawde added, “Main ek mahila hoon aur main mahilaon ka zarur saath dungi. Mumbai ki sevak banke aayi hoon. Usi ke saath mein main Hindutva ke liye kaam karti hoon. Agar Hindutva ke khilaf koi statement karega, phir saamne koi bhi ho, usko support nahi milega (I am a woman and will definitely support my fellow ladies. I have been appointed as a servant of Mumbai, but with that, I am also working for the dignity of Hindutva. If anyone revolts against Hindutva, I will not support.)”
She hoped that such ‘administrative blunders’ are not made hereon. Tawde also said the civic body will not include in any program, ‘certainly not on the official BMC portal.’
Dia Mirza hits back after controversy
In an official statement, Dia told ANI, “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.”
Ritu Tawde on Dia Mirza’s campaign
in a previous statement, said, “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.”
While a section of political leaders condemned Dia’s campaign, some have shown support for the actress.