New Delhi: Actor Dia Mirza has finally reacted after an anti-firecracker awareness video featuring her was deleted from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s
(BMC) social media accounts. The clip drew criticism from political leaders and some social media users. The actor had appeared in the civic body’s pollution-awareness campaign, urging people to avoid bursting firecrackers during Diwali.
While Mirza’s video has been removed, similar awareness messages featuring celebrities such as Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and Marathi actor Nishigandha Wad continue to remain available online.
The controversy escalated after BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam questioned why the civic body had featured Mirza in a video advising people on Diwali celebrations.
Dia Mirza reacts to Diwali video removal
Speaking exclusively to News9 Digital, Dia Mirza reacted to the removal of her Diwali video. She told us, “Diwali celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair. The video was recorded in the interest of public awareness, with the intention of encouraging a healthier and more mindful celebration. Air pollution is a matter of public health, and every effort towards reducing it is a step towards a better environment for all.”
Why was Dia Mirza’s Diwali video removed?
In the video, Dia Mirza appealed to citizens to refrain from bursting firecrackers and avoid adding to noise pollution during the festival. Reacting to the campaign, Satam wrote on social media, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”
@mybmc We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.
— Ameet Satam (@AmeetSatam) November 1, 2026
The BMC subsequently removed her video from its social media platforms. However, the civic body has not officially explained why the particular video was taken down.
On October 27, Dia Mirza received an official letter from Avinash Hindurao Kate, the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Environment & Climate Change) of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), inviting her to support the BMC’s awareness campaign “Let’s Avoid the Noise of Firecrackers and Multiply the Joy’.
The letter requested her to make a short video urging citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali.
Mirza was among several public figures approached by the BMC as part of an awareness drive focused on firecrackers and pollution. The campaign followed observations by the Bombay High Court over worsening air pollution and the civic body’s efforts to regulate the bursting of firecrackers during festivals. The court imposed a complete restriction on bursting firecrackers on public roads, in parks and in common areas.
The court had also suggested involving celebrities in public-awareness initiatives on pollution without charging fees for their participation. Following these observations, the BMC enlisted several well-known personalities to record messages encouraging people to follow the directions concerning firecrackers. The initiative marked the civic body’s attempt to use celebrity voices to amplify its pollution-awareness campaign.
Shaina NC reacts to Dia Mirza’s video
Mirza’s message also drew a reaction from Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC, who argued that Diwali has a cultural identity that should be respected.
She said, “Diwali is clearly the festival of lights. And Dia Mirza, whose name has a ‘Diya’ in it, should understand that there is a certain kind of cultural identity associated with Diwali. Nobody is propagating pollution or bursting crackers, but we need to introspect ourselves. We don’t need a lesson from others on what we should be doing as Mumbaikars.”
Ramdas Athawale objects to Dia Mirza’s message
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also criticised Mirza’s appeal. While reacting to the controversy, he referred to the actor’s religious background and argued that people have a constitutional right to celebrate their respective festivals.
Athawale said, “Dia Mirza is a film actress and belongs to the Muslim community, but this is not a matter of any particular community. The Constitution grants every religion the right to celebrate its festivals. Just as Hindus respect and participate in Eid, Hindu community celebrates Diwali. If firecrackers are not burst, Diwali may lose some of its significance, though we must also be concerned about excessive pollution.”
Meanwhile, Dia Mirza was born to a Christian father and a Bengali Hindu mother. After her parents separated, her mother married a Muslim man, Ahmed Mirza, whose surname Dia adopted.
