Actress Dia Mirza has defended her role in a pollution-free Diwali video made for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), after the civic body deleted the video following an objection from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
In a statement to IANS, Mirza said the video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, to encourage a healthier and more mindful celebration of the festival. She described Diwali as a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. Air pollution is a matter of public health, she said, and every effort to reduce it is a step toward a better environment for all.
The BMC had shared the video as part of a Diwali awareness campaign urging people to celebrate while keeping the effects of air pollution in mind. The campaign also featured video messages from other well-known personalities, including actress Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to Mirza’s participation, questioning the involvement of outsiders in advising people on how to celebrate the festival. In a post on X, he said the state did not need lessons on celebrating Diwali from Mirza, adding that the festival’s traditions are deeply rooted in Indian culture. The BMC removed the video from its social media accounts after he objected.
The row drew reactions from political leaders. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the matter should not be linked to any religion. Describing Mirza as a film actress from the Muslim community, he said the issue did not concern any one community.
He said India’s Constitution, framed by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, gives every religion the right to celebrate its festivals. Muslims celebrate Eid and observe Ramadan, he said, and Hindus take part in those celebrations and respect the way Muslims observe their festivals, just as people from the Hindu community celebrate Diwali.
Athawale said Diwali may lose some of its significance if firecrackers are not burst. But he added that excessive pollution must also be a concern.