The actor questions the criticism of her pollution-awareness message after the BMC removes her campaign video following an objection from Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam.
The Dia Mirza BMC Diwali campaign controversy has taken a political turn after the BMC removed her pollution-awareness video, sparking questions over why an environmental message became a subject of criticism. Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her participation, saying, “We don’t need lessons on how to celebrate Diwali.” The issue escalated after Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde called the actor anti-Hindu and threatened to blacklist her. Dia Mirza, meanwhile, defended her campaign, maintaining that her message focused on public health and reducing air pollution.
Mirza has defended her participation, saying the video promoted public awareness and addressed air pollution as a public-health concern. Meanwhile, political leaders have expressed different views on the civic body’s decision and the actor’s message.
The Dia Mirza BMC Diwali campaign controversy has brought the relationship between religious celebrations, environmental awareness and political responses into focus.
Why did BMC remove Dia Mirza’s Diwali video?
The BMC launched a pollution-awareness campaign encouraging Mumbai residents to celebrate Diwali responsibly and avoid excessive firecracker use. The initiative featured several public figures, including Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.
On November 1, Ameet Satam, Mumbai BJP president and MLA from Andheri West, objected to Mirza’s inclusion. In a post on X tagging the BMC, he wrote, “Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture.”
He questioned why the actor was advising people about celebrating Diwali. Within hours, the BMC removed her video from its social media accounts.
However, similar campaign videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and Ajinkya Rahane remained available.
The BMC has not issued a detailed public explanation for removing Mirza’s video. A civic official, however, told reporters that the administration removed the earlier posts following public outcry while maintaining its position on restrictions concerning firecrackers.
What did Dia Mirza say about the controversy?
Dia Mirza defended her video and explained the purpose behind her participation in the campaign.
In a statement, she said Diwali represents the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance and hope over despair. She explained that the video aimed to encourage healthier and more mindful celebrations.
The actor also said, “Air pollution is a matter of public health,” adding that efforts to reduce pollution would help create a better environment.
Responding to criticism of her participation, Mirza questioned why anyone would oppose a public-awareness message recorded at the request of the BMC and following the Bombay High Court’s directions.
She also clarified that she had not charged any fee for the campaign. In a social media post, she wrote, “Koi paise nahi liye hain. Bhalai ka zamana hee nahi raha.”
The Dia Mirza BMC Diwali campaign controversy has therefore also raised questions about the treatment of public-health messages delivered through celebrity-led civic campaigns.
What did Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde say?
Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde criticised Mirza over her earlier political positions and defended the decision to oppose her participation in the campaign.
She accused the actor of taking an anti-government and anti-Hindu position. Referring to Mirza’s earlier comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the NEET examination issue, Tawde said the actor had supported what she described as divisive forces.
The mayor also said, “We will make sure she is blacklisted in our Mahayuti government.”
However, Tawde clarified that the controversy was not connected to Mirza’s religion. She said the BMC administration had not consulted her before publishing or removing the video.
Describing the situation as an administrative miscommunication, she said she would discuss the matter with BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide. She also wanted future public-relations campaign proposals to be brought to her office.
There is no confirmation of a formal government blacklist order against Mirza.
How did other political leaders react?
The controversy prompted responses from both ruling and opposition leaders.
Waris Pathan questions Ameet Satam
AIMIM spokesperson Waris Pathan questioned why Satam had singled out Mirza when other celebrities had made similar appeals for the BMC campaign.
He pointed out that Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad had also promoted the same message. Pathan described the criticism as selective and questioned why Mirza had become the target.
Kishori Pednekar criticises BMC
Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar questioned whether the civic administration had become a “slave” of the BJP or its Mumbai president.
She also criticised Satam’s alleged interference in the BMC’s functioning and questioned the administration’s decision to remove the video.
Yashwant Killedar supports responsible celebrations
MNS corporator Yashwant Killedar also criticised Satam’s objection. He questioned whether celebrating Diwali required excessive firecracker use and said people could celebrate the festival by lighting a single lamp and lantern.
Nitesh Rane questions Mirza’s message
BJP minister Nitesh Rane questioned why Mirza had offered pollution-related advice during Diwali but had not made similar appeals during Eid, Muharram or Bakri Eid.
He said people who opposed Sanatan Hindu traditions should be questioned and added that he would discuss the issue with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Shaina NC and Ramdas Athawale offer contrasting views
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said Mirza should understand Diwali’s cultural identity as the festival of lights. She also acknowledged the need to remain mindful of pollution and excessive firecracker use.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale said the controversy should not be associated with any particular community. He referred to the constitutional right of every religion to celebrate its festivals.
Athawale also said people should be able to celebrate Diwali while remaining concerned about excessive pollution.
What did the Bombay High Court say about firecrackers?
The controversy has its background in the Bombay High Court’s October 15, 2026, directions on firecracker use and pollution.
The court directed authorities to prohibit bursting firecrackers on public streets and roads during festivals throughout the year. It also imposed restrictions in silence zones, including areas near hospitals, schools and government offices.
The court asked authorities to publicise the restrictions and create awareness about the environmental and health effects of firecrackers. It also encouraged the promotion of green crackers with lower emissions, subject to applicable rules.
The court suggested involving celebrities in public-awareness campaigns. However, it did not specifically order Dia Mirza to record a video.
Why does the Dia Mirza BMC Diwali campaign controversy matter?
The disagreement extends beyond the removal of one celebrity’s video. It raises questions about how civic authorities manage public-awareness campaigns and respond to political objections.
The court’s directions apply to festivals throughout the year, making them relevant to Mumbai residents and festival organisers. People need to understand the restrictions on firecrackers in public spaces and silence zones.
The Dia Mirza BMC Diwali campaign controversy also highlights different views on religious celebrations and environmental responsibility. While Mirza has defended her message as a public-health initiative, political leaders have questioned its presentation and her involvement.
What happens next?
Mayor Ritu Tawde has said she will discuss the issue with BMC Commissioner Ashwini Bhide and seek greater involvement in future public-relations campaign decisions.
The BMC has not issued a detailed explanation for removing Mirza’s video. There is also no confirmed formal government order blacklisting the actor.
The next development will depend on the civic administration’s response and any further clarification regarding its campaign decisions.
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