DIA MIRZA

THE ACTOR OPENS UP ABOUT COMPLETING 20 YEARS IN THE INDUSTRY, MOTHERHOOD AND ACTIVISM

- NAYARE ALI

She arrived like a breath of fresh air two decades ago. The former Miss Asia Pacific won thousands of hearts with her million-dollar smile, and it was only natural for her to venture in Bollywood. If you remember the music of Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, you surely remember Dia Mirza’s beautiful first shot on the big screen, dancing in the rain with children to an unforgettable melody. Her 2001 debut opposite R Madhavan was a runaway hit, and since then, Dia appeared in a number of memorable movies such as Dus, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and Sanju.

“Everything played out organically. There were many happy coincidences, but I worked very hard to make it all happen,” Dia reminisces. “RHTDM was a landmark film, and being my first, it’s my most favourite. Lage Raho Munna Bhai comes second, and my debut co-production, Love Breakups Zindagi, is third on my list. I was only 26 when I acted and produced the movie. I’m proud about the way we put it together.”

Now in her 20th year in the industry, Dia has upped her game. In the Netflix India remake of French series Call My Agent, she plays herself, essaying the role of a 40-year-old star, who loses out on a plum international offer on account of her age. She comes alive on the small screen in an understated yet relatable performance.

A new family

A true trailblazer, Dia has now set up her independent production house and recently shot for two OTT shows. She may be in a good space professionally, but she has ample reasons to rejoice in her personal life, too. A whirlwind romance, pandemic wedding and new baby in quick succession made 2021 a game changer of a year for her—or “life-saving”, as the actor-activist describes it.