Actress’ Diwali Pollution Video Removed, Political Row Erupts

The controversy surrounding Diwali celebrations and firecrackers has taken a political turn in Mumbai. Actress Dia Mirza has landed in the middle of a debate after her pollution awareness video was removed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The civic body had launched a campaign encouraging people to celebrate an eco friendly Diwali and avoid excessive noise and air pollution. Several celebrities, including Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, were roped in for the campaign.

However, Mumbai BJP president Ameet Satam objected to Dia’s involvement and questioned why she was giving advice on celebrating Diwali. Soon after his post on X, the BMC removed her video from its social media accounts, while other celebrity videos remained available.

Dia Mirza responded to the controversy, saying her video was recorded for public awareness. She maintained that air pollution is a public health concern and efforts to reduce it should be welcomed. She also said she had not charged any money for the campaign.

The issue soon turned into a political debate, with Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde criticising Dia and saying she would be blacklisted from future BMC programmes. BJP minister Nitesh Rane also questioned why the actress did not make similar appeals during other religious festivals.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders questioned the BMC’s decision to remove only Dia’s video. The controversy also received reactions from other political leaders, with Union Minister Ramdas Athawale stating that pollution should be a concern while respecting everyone’s religious celebrations.

What started as a simple pollution awareness campaign has now turned into a major political discussion involving celebrities, religious sentiments and civic administration. The removal of Dia Mirza’s video has become the biggest talking point in Mumbai’s Diwali debate.