Bollywood actor Dia Mirza has always been candid about her experiences in the film industry, and in a recent interview with the Times of India, she shed light on the challenges she faced when she entered Bollywood in the early 2000s.
The actor, known for her role in the iconic film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein, spoke about the pressures placed on female actors during that time, including the need to conform to certain beauty standards and keep personal relationships under wraps.
Mirza recalled how intimidating it was for women in the industry to navigate these expectations, often dictated by the media and societal norms. “I was hurt. I was terrified. I was intimidated because that’s what was fed to us by the media. Aurat ho toh aapki shelf life hai (If you’re a woman, you have a shelf life). Every single actress who came into the industry in the early 2000s was told that you have to be a certain weight. You have to look a certain way. You have to be single,” she revealed.
She also highlighted how many female actors were compelled to hide their relationships to secure work, as being in a relationship was seen as detrimental to their careers.
At 42, Mirza acknowledged that Bollywood has evolved positively. She pointed out that today’s top actors are often married, balancing family life with thriving careers. She emphasised that this shift reflects a move away from fear-based decisions to a more empowered understanding of one’s personal and professional life. “Now, people understand that acting is a profession, not an identity,” she added.
Dia Mirza’s Recent Projects
On the professional front, Dia Mirza continues to make waves in the industry. Her beloved film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein was recently re-released in theaters, reigniting nostalgia among fans.
Directed by Govind Menon, the film also starred R. Madhavan in a lead role. Mirza has appeared in a variety of films throughout her career, including Lage Raho Munnabhai, Sanju, Thappad, and Bheed. With a career spanning over two decades, Mirza remains a prominent and respected figure in Bollywood.
