Mumbai Deputy Mayor Defends Dia Mirza Amid Controversy Over Pollution-Free Diwali Campaign
Mumbais Deputy Mayor supports Dia Mirza after her video was removed from a pollution awareness campaign, following a court order to reinstate it.
Mumbai, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : The controversy surrounding Bollywood actress Dia Mirza‘s pollution-free Diwali campaign has resurfaced following a Bombay High Court directive. The court ordered the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to restore a video featuring Mirza that had been removed. In response, Mumbai’s Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi expressed his discontent with the BMC’s earlier decision to take down the video.
Ghadi emphasized that Mirza’s appeal to reduce pollution in Mumbai was entirely appropriate. He criticized the removal of her video, stating it was unjustified, especially after the actress had called for a peaceful celebration of Diwali without fireworks.
In an interview, Ghadi noted, “The BMC initiated this campaign at the behest of the Bombay High Court, which instructed them to collaborate with celebrities to raise awareness about pollution and the dangers of firecrackers.” The campaign featured several prominent figures, including Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, and Marathi actress Nishigandha Wad, all urging the public to minimize air and noise pollution.
He added that Mirza, like her fellow artists, had encouraged a serene celebration of the festival. Despite this, the BMC chose to remove only her video from their social media platforms, while others remained. “This decision was very wrong. Dia’s video should have stayed up alongside the others,” he asserted.
The Deputy Mayor also highlighted Mirza’s achievements, noting her recognition in beauty competitions and her ongoing advocacy for environmental issues. He stressed that disrespecting an actress who speaks out on social matters is inappropriate. “If artists face such controversies when they engage in social issues, how can we expect others to participate in BMC’s awareness campaigns in the future? I am grateful for the Bombay High Court’s ruling in this matter.”
The dispute began when Mirza’s video, which urged people to celebrate Diwali mindfully and avoid fireworks, faced backlash from local political figures. On November 1, Mumbai BJP President Amit Satam objected to her message, questioning the need for guidance on how to celebrate the festival, citing the strength of cultural traditions.
Following this, Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde accused Mirza of adopting an anti-Hindu stance, and Maharashtra Minister Nitesh Rane also criticized her video. After these objections, the BMC removed Mirza’s video, although the clips from other celebrities remained available. Mirza expressed her disappointment, stating that air pollution is a serious concern that requires collective efforts to address, as it directly impacts public health.
On Tuesday, the Bombay High Court expressed its dissatisfaction with the BMC’s actions and instructed the restoration of Dia Mirza’s video.
