Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has defended the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) decision to remove actor Dia Mirza’s pollution-free Diwali video after it triggered a political controversy. Tawde criticised the actor’s appeal, saying Hindus do not need her to tell them how to celebrate the festival. The video was taken down after objections from BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam.
What Was Dia Mirza’s BMC Diwali Video About?
The BMC had launched a public awareness campaign encouraging citizens to celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali. Several celebrities, including Dia Mirza, Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, were part of the initiative.
In her video, Dia Mirza urged people to avoid firecrackers and reduce noise and air pollution. The campaign was linked to the Bombay High Court’s appeal to celebrities to support Maharashtra’s anti-firecracker drive. The BMC’s post also referred to the court’s directions prohibiting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths.
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🚨 BMC takes down actor Dia Mirza’s Diwali awareness video following objections from BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam. The video urged citizens to avoid firecrackers and noise pollution during Diwali. Satam expressed his objection on X, questioning the need for Dia Mirza to give lessons on celebrating the festival. @deespeak @mybmc #Diwali2026
— Girish Kamble (@GirishKamble22) November 2, 2026
Why Did BJP Leaders Object To Dia Mirza’s Video?
BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam objected to Dia Mirza’s video and questioned the need to involve the actor in a message about Diwali traditions. He wrote on X, "We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture."
The BMC removed the video from its social media accounts within hours of the objection. However, campaign videos featuring other celebrities reportedly remained online.
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What Did Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde Say?
Defending the decision, Tawde said that Hindus did not need Mirza to teach them how to celebrate Diwali. "Regarding how Hindus should celebrate Diwali, we certainly do not need Dia Mirza to teach us. We know how to celebrate our own Diwali. You should focus on your selective agenda," she said.
The mayor also said she was unaware of Dia Mirza’s association with the campaign and wanted to be consulted before celebrities were included in future civic initiatives. "Henceforth, the BMC should not make any public statement without my approval," she said.
Tawde also accused the actor of opposing the government’s positions on several issues and said, "We have blacklisted her."
Dia Mirza Responds To Claims About Payment
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Dia Mirza clarified that she had not charged money for the public service campaign. She said the video was recorded following the Bombay High Court’s appeal to celebrities.
"I have never charged any money for any public service campaigns. No idea who has been paid hefty amounts. The point is, celebrities are willing to work with civil society and governments if there is a priority to solve the very solve-able issue of pollution," she told the publication.
Deputy Mayor Defends The Actor
Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi defended Dia Mirza’s appeal, saying she had done nothing wrong by asking people to avoid firecrackers. Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Kishori Pednekar, also criticised the BMC’s decision.
The controversy has brought attention to the debate over pollution awareness, political objections and the use of celebrity voices in civic campaigns.
FAQs
1. Why was Dia Mirza’s Diwali video removed by the BMC?
The BMC removed the video after BJP Mumbai chief Ameet Satam objected to the actor’s appeal for a pollution-free Diwali.
2. What did Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde say about Dia Mirza?
Tawde said Hindus did not need Dia Mirza to teach them how to celebrate Diwali and insisted that she be consulted before celebrities were included in future BMC campaigns.
3. Did Dia Mirza charge money for the BMC campaign?
No. Mirza told Hindustan Times that she had never charged money for public service campaigns.
4. Who defended Dia Mirza after the video was removed?
Mumbai Deputy Mayor Sanjay Ghadi defended the actor, saying there was no reason to remove her appeal against bursting firecrackers.
5. Which other celebrities featured in the BMC’s Diwali campaign?
The campaign also featured Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.