Dia Mirza Rekhi is marking 25 years in the film industry and remains busy with both screen work and social activism.
After appearing in Alpha and Ikka last month, she was recently seen in the series Operation Safed Sagar. According to Hindustan Times, Known for speaking openly about social issues, the actor has faced criticism this year over her views on climate change, patriarchy and her son’s perspective on the issue.
Asked whether such backlash ever deters her, Dia said she first considers the intention behind what is being said.
“When I hear somebody speak or I read a news item, I always ask myself what is the intention behind this?” she said, adding that if something comes from a place of care and aims to inform, educate or help, it should not be offensive.
Dia said her own statements have always come from a place of care rather than anger or hate.
She remains curious about criticism and tries to understand its origin, questioning whether it is genuine or sponsored.
The actor also pointed to the different standards women face when speaking publicly.
“It’s interesting to see how people get offended when a woman speaks about something,” she said, noting that patriarchal conditioning influences how women are perceived, particularly in the entertainment industry.
She recalled male co-stars referring to her as an “activist” or “andolan wali”, saying it was not intended as a compliment.
Dia believes artists have a responsibility to use their platforms for positive change.
“It is such a privilege to be an artiste and if our art is not used to bring change, then what is the point of our art or our artistry or the positions that we have been granted by society,” she said.
