MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed a video featuring actor Dia Mirza from its ‘Pollution-Free Diwali’ campaign following objections from Mumbai BJP chief Amit Satam, triggering a political controversy.
The civic body launched the campaign to encourage residents to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers and reduce air and noise pollution amid growing concerns over the city’s air quality. The initiative was undertaken in the backdrop of directions issued by the Bombay High Court.
Several public figures, including Mirza, had appeared in videos urging citizens to adopt environmentally friendly ways of celebrating the festival. However, Satam questioned her inclusion and tagged the BMC’s official social media account in a post.
“We do not need lessons from Dia Mirza on how to celebrate Diwali. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture,” he wrote.
Within hours, the BMC, headed by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, removed the video featuring the actor from its social media platforms.
Videos featuring other campaign participants, including actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, continued to remain available on the civic body’s X and Instagram accounts.
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde on Monday defended the move and made allegations against Mirza. She claimed that the actor had supported divisive forces and had trolled Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the NEET examination issue. Tawde also called Mirza anti-Hindu and said she had been blacklisted.
Reacting to the controversy, Mirza expressed disappointment on social media and clarified that she had not received any payment for participating in the campaign.
“I did not take any money for this. There is no value for goodness anymore,” she wrote.
The episode has sparked debate over the role of celebrities in civic awareness campaigns and the political objections surrounding their participation.
