Dia Mirza | Known for giving stellar performances in films like Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein, Deewanapan and Sanju, Mirza talks to Musba Hashmi about her new project, how cinema is evolving and making a difference in society
What is keeping you busy these days?
I have been busy with the shooting of a new show for Zee5Originals — Kaafir. We have been doing readings, workshops, rehearsals, costume fittings and so much more. My days have been full of excitement. I have an incredible burst of energy and love for this new character that I am discovering.
The most exciting thing about doing this show and playing this part is that it is inspired by true events. It’s a character that is central to the narrative. It is part of a deeply engaging human conflict. It’s been a time to relish and enjoy my dream role.
What challenges do you face as an actor?
They are two-fold. First, finding parts that resonate strongly with us. Second, adjusting to different systems and work environment. The fact is that despite whatever the circumstances may be at a personal level or on the job, one needs to deliver. That can sometimes be a big challenge, but it is always amazing to see how we overcome it and we discover a strength that lies deep within.
I have been on a film shoot one week after losing my father and that was one of the most difficult things in my life that I have had to do. As actors, we learn to accept that work goes on and that we need to be present, prepared and we need to deliver.
Any role you want to experiment with?
The kind of roles I would like to experiment with are the ones that are rooted in deep human conflict. It is always interesting to bring out the grey in people. I always find characters that are not completely black or white, interesting. For me it is exciting to play characters that have a little bit of grey in them.
How has your show Ganga-The Soul of India changed you?
I have said this many times before, and I will say it again that Ganga-The Soul Of India has changed me at the core, at a human level. It really helped me understand how people think, feel and function at a grass root level. Just travelling with the river from the source all the way to the sea, engaging with real people who I have never met before, having real and deep conversations with them, discovering what motivated them, acknowledging their challenges — every single aspect was life altering.
When we are so close to the Nature, we learn many unforgettable lessons. One profound lesson that I learnt was that nature never divides on basis of class, boundary, citizenship, culture or religion — humans do. Nature always gives freely to us, humans and that is the most amazing thing about nature.
What is your take on the kind of films being made today?
Some very powerful stories are being told and some incredible films are being made, so this is an exciting time for films. As a producer, actor and as a woman, I feel optimistic about the fact that we are evolving so much as an industry, and telling compelling stories. We are using cinema as a medium to help society evolve, bring change, acknowledge and make a difference.
What is there in your bucket list?
My bucket list is endless. There are many places to see, many things to do, many films to watch and many people to meet. I would like to visit Machu Picchu, would love to do deep sea diving, learn to ride a motorbike and so on. It is a long list.
What does fashion mean to you?
Fashion to me has always meant a reflection of society, a celebration of culture, art and a reflection of human endeavour.
As a celeb, how important is it to be in tune with the latest trends?
One would assume that one needs to be in tune with latest trends. Inadvertently because we have a system that gives us access to latest trends and clothes that are in trend, we end up wearing them. But at a personal level, I seek out clothes that resonate with me. That give me an opportunity to express myself, make me feel good. It is not so much about being in trend.