Environmental talk is my oxygen, says Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza is undoubtedly a ‘beauty with heart’. Besides being an actress and producer, she is also one of the ‘Green Celebrities’ in the industry. “For me, it has never been only about doing ‘a’ particular thing in life. I don’t wish to restrict myself or be defined only as an actress or a producer or an ex-Miss India. I feel that an individual has many purposes, and for me, one of it revolves around doing something that makes a larger impact,” says Dia, with a smile as we sit down for a chat over environment and Delhi versus Mumbai changing weather pattern. 

In a bid to raise awareness about the shrinking space for wild elephants in the country, the actress along with Vivek Menon, CEO at Wildlife Trust of India, launched a “gaj yatra” campaign at Nehru Memorial Museum and Library in the capital city, where Union minister for environment, forest and climate change Dr Harsh Vardhan was also present. “It all started when I was a child,” she recalls. “Most kids don’t talk about environment or nature because they are encouraged to talk about their marks, exams, etc. But I went to a very different school and have been brought up by unique parents. At school, we were taught under the banyan tree where from a very early age we were instilled with knowledge about true happiness. We were taught to be sensitive to our environment, encouraged to not become consumerists and taught the whole idea of peaceful co-existence.” 

 Adopting a natural lifestyle
Dia loves earth-friendly high fashion. “Oh, I am very conscious about what I wear, eat, etc. Instead of a regular ‘plastic’ toothbrush, I use a bamboo toothbrush. I also don’t believe in applying makeup products that are tested on animals or have ingredients derived from animals. In normal day-to-day life, I don’t apply makeup at all. I believe in ‘conscious shopping and consuming’. I also always carry water so I don’t have to buy from outside. I live by the philosophy of recycling, reusing, reducing and refusing avoidable waste. I have a garbage management system at home and we keep an eye on whatever needs to be thrown out.”  

 Limelight and humanitarianism
Ask her whether being a celebrity who is also associated with a cause, in any way takes the limelight away from the latter and she unlocks her phone to show us Bittu Sahgal’s (noted environmental activist and writer) message appreciating her effort, “Not at all. I feel it is, in fact, an added advantage. The cause is always bigger and nobler.. Messages like these are my oxygen. I personally feel that Amitabh Bachchan had a great role in eradicating polio from our country. He is someone who we all look up to. If it were to be a case of a celebrity taking away the limelight or overshadowing a cause, I don’t think the eradication of polio would have been possible. His voice made a huge difference. I don’t believe that I have a bigger sphere like him but even if I manage to influence one or two minds then I’ll feel that I have achieved my purpose in life.”

Playing Manayata Dutt
Dia, who has acted with Sanjay Dutt in films like Parineeta and Lage Raho Munna Bhai, will be playing the role of the actor’s wife in his biopic. “I believe Manayata is someone who has a strong sense of self. However, more than copying what/who she is in real life, I am following the strong and comprehensive writing to describe her character via Abhijat Joshi and Raju Hirani,” she says, adding, “Ranbir has transformed himself into Sanjay totally, a 100 per cent. But I don’t think others need to do the same. I have interacted with her over the years and I think she is the anchor in Sanjay’s life. But I have perceived Manayata through the wonderful writing that’s been written about her.” 
But does she have any apprehensions about portraying a living person? “Oh, yes. Absolutely. But I am sure I’ll be able to do it justice.”