Dia Mirza reacts to BMC’s decision to delete her anti-firecracker video: ‘Air pollution is a matter of public health’ | Hindi Movie News

Actor Dia Mirza has reacted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removing a video featuring her appeal to citizens to celebrate Diwali responsibly and avoid air pollution. The civic body’s decision came hours after BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam publicly objected to her participation in its anti-firecracker campaign on X (formerly Twitter). Dia has now questioned the criticism, maintaining that her message was recorded purely in the interest of public health.In the video, which has since been deleted from the BMC’s social media accounts, Dia urged Mumbaikars to be mindful of the environmental impact of bursting firecrackers during Diwali. The actor appealed to citizens to avoid activities that contribute to air and noise pollution and help keep the city’s air clean. Mumbai’s Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 131 around Bandra Reclamation, falling in the ‘unhealthy’ category.The BMC’s original post accompanying the video stated, “In accordance with the directives of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court, bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes, and footpaths is strictly prohibited. In this regard, actress Ms. Dia Mirza has appealed to citizens not to burst firecrackers and to avoid noise pollution.”However, Satam took exception to the actor’s involvement in the campaign and questioned her appeal on social media. In his post, he wrote, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.” The BMC subsequently removed Dia’s video from its social media platforms.Interestingly, similar appeals by other public figures as part of the civic body’s anti-firecracker campaign continue to remain available online. These include videos featuring actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, as well as cricketer Ajinkya Rahane. The BMC has not yet explained why Dia’s video was taken down while the other campaign videos remain accessible.Dia said in an interview with Screen, “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.”Reacting to Satam’s objection and the demand to remove her video, the actor further questioned why an appeal made in accordance with the civic body’s initiative and the Bombay High Court’s directives had become contentious. She said, “Why would anyone be critical of a video the Honourable Bombay High Court and the BMC have made me record in public interest? Air pollution is an area of concern, and all efforts to reduce pollution should we welcomed because it’s matter of public health.”The controversy also drew a response from Waris Pathan, national spokesperson of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM). Questioning why Dia was singled out when other celebrities had made similar appeals, Pathan took to X and wrote, “Mr. Ameet Satam, why single out Dia Mirza when Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad made the very same appeal on behalf of BMC. Same appeal, same High Court directive, but different reactions? That’s not standing up for tradition; that’s selective outrage and a glaring double standard. Why is Dia Mirza your target? Naam Dia Mirza hai (Because her name is Dia Mirza)?,”