BMC Removes Dia Mirza Diwali Ad After BJP Objection

A Diwali awareness video featuring actor Dia Mirza has been removed from social media by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation following an objection from the Bharatiya Janata Party.

The Controversy

The civic body ran a campaign to promote an eco-friendly Diwali without loud noises and air pollution. One of the campaign videos featured Dia Mirza asking people to stay away from pollution. BJP leader Amit Satam objected to the ad and posted on social media that nobody needs to learn how to celebrate Diwali as the festival is part of their culture. The video was subsequently deleted from the municipal corporation's social media accounts without any explanation.

Other Videos Remain

Videos featuring actor Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, and Marathi actor Nishigandha Wad delivering similar eco-friendly Diwali messages remained online. Dia Mirza indirectly responded to the row by stating that Diwali signifies the victory of light over darkness and hope over despair, and that the video was shot to create health awareness because air pollution affects public health.

Context

Civic bodies frequently run public awareness campaigns around major festivals to encourage safer and cleaner celebrations. Such campaigns sometimes spark debates regarding cultural traditions versus environmental concerns.