Imran Khan’s Girlfriend Lekha Washington Backs Dia Mirza Amid Pollution-Free Diwali Campaign Controversy

Dia Mirza joined the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s campaign to promote a pollution-free Diwali. However, the video sparked massive outrage when members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) raised objections. The public interest video was removed from its original source amid the backlash. While politicians have mixed reactions to the matter, Lekha Washington was the first from the entertainment world to back the actress. The model and Imran Khan’s girlfriend defended Dia and released a video supporting her. Lekha’s video came after Mirza issued an official statement on the controversy.

In her video, Lekha said, “Today we silenced Dia Mirza after asking her to speak with the line ‘our tradition is our culture’. She said burst a few less crackers on Diwali. She is like India’s Bambi. She is like a doe-eyed, sweet, ‘can we please be a little more considerate’ kind of person. And we silenced her for no reason. What only.”

In October, BMC launched the public awareness campaign encouraging citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly and pollution-free Diwali amid concerns over Mumbai’s air quality. It featured Dia, Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actress Nishigandha Wad.

The campaign was launched following a directive from the Bombay High Court concerning air pollution in the city. It featured video messages from several public figures, including Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.

Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to the BMC featuring the actress in its campaign. On X, he wrote, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”

Responding to the criticism, 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…”

Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde subsequently criticised Mirza’s views and said the actress would not be included in future programmes or featured on official BMC platforms. “We will not include her in any program, certainly not on the official BMC portal. She cannot join in any other event organised by us, given that she trolls our PM Narendra Modi… As the Mayor- and representing the Bharatiya Janata Party- our position is clear: we will not allow anyone who opposes Hindutva to appear on the official BMC portal,” Tawde said.

She added, “Mumbai is a city that embraces all castes, religions, and sects, and I work for everyone. Our agenda is rooted in Hindutva. If anyone speaks against Hindutva- regardless of their caste, religion, or sect- they will be met with a firm response.”

Apart from pulling the video from social media, no further legal action has been taken against the campaign.