Dia Mirza Diwali Video Row: Genuine Outrage or Bigotry? | Prasang

This episode of Prasang examines the controversy surrounding actor Dia Mirza’s video for the BMC’s environment-friendly Diwali campaign. The civic body had urged citizens to avoid firecrackers amid concerns over air and noise pollution, but Mirza’s clip was removed after objections from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam and comments by Mayor Ritu Tawde. Other campaign videos remained online. TOI's Prasad Sanyal and Prabhash Jha discuss why Mirza was singled out, whether her personal views should affect her role in a civic awareness campaign, and the BMC’s decision to take down the video. It also considers the Bombay High Court’s directions, Mirza’s environmental advocacy, freedom of expression, religious sensitivities and the public response to calls for cleaner air during Diwali in a diverse society.