Dia Mirza returns to production after six years

In the first four months of the year, Dia Mirza had a release in Nadaaniyan, and saw her acclaimed series Kaafir being re-released as a film. But it’s the next step that has her excited about 2025. The actor, who had turned producer with Love Break-ups Zindagi in 2011 and has backed two more projects since, is set to return to production after six years. “The writing [on my next] has been on in full swing. Hopefully, we’ll begin the project soon. I am looking for diversity, representation of powerful, incredible women in unique stories. If nobody is making it, I will make it,” she smiles.

There is no dearth of acting offers for Mirza, but the lack of inspiring parts pinches her. Today, her nos are more frequent, more decisive even. With a 24-year career behind her, she doesn’t feel the compulsion to give her nod to everything that comes her way. “I came from a humble background and moved to Mumbai at a young age. When you’re seeking financial independence, at that stage of your life, you say yes to everything. It takes a certain kind of security to reach a point where you recognise that you have more than you need, that you can continue to hone your craft and don’t need to say yes to crap,” she says.

Her recent movies reflect not only her career principles, but also her personal activism and ideology. She reflects, “It comes from the understanding that being an artiste is about driving change. I’m perhaps a better actress today as many of my life experiences taught me to empathise more deeply with my characters.”