Row over Dia Mirza's Diwali video; Lekha Washington says appeal for fewer firecrackers was not wrong

A major controversy has erupted over actor Dia Mirza's Diwali awareness video. An awareness campaign is under way, with the help of cricketers and film personalities, on how to celebrate Diwali with care for the environment. Videos of several celebrities were posted by the civic body as part of it. Mirza's video was posted by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

After the video surfaced, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam posted on X. He said there was no need to take lessons from Dia Mirza on how Diwali should be celebrated. According to Satam, Indian traditions and culture are deeply rooted. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also took a stand against Mirza. Tawde said, "We will always oppose Dia Mirza. Dia Mirza always takes an anti-Hindu stand."

Following the political row, Lekha Washington, who is the girlfriend of Bollywood actor Imran Khan, has reacted on social media. Washington said Mirza had given a message against firecrackers in the video. In her words, "By making Dia say the line 'our tradition is our culture', we have silenced her. Dia said nothing wrong. She only requested that air and noise pollution be reduced, and so fewer firecrackers be burst."

Washington went on to ask, "What had she said? Burst firecrackers on Diwali, but burst fewer. Be more aware of the environment, think. It was such a simple appeal. Then why was she silenced?"

Mirza had recorded the video as part of the Mumbai civic body's anti-pollution Diwali awareness campaign. She had appealed to Mumbaikars to celebrate an eco-friendly Diwali and had said they should not add to air and noise pollution by bursting firecrackers.

The civic body has removed Mirza's video. Mirza has since spoken on the controversy herself. She said, "We celebrate Diwali as the victory of light over darkness. That video was recorded to create awareness among people. The aim behind it was to celebrate in a better way. Air pollution is an issue linked to people's health."