Facing backlash over an anti-firecrackers video featuring actor Dia Mirza, the Mumbai civic body has taken down her video from its social media accounts. However, similar messages by other celebrities, including actor Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and Marathi actor Nishigandha Wad, continue to remain online.
And Dia Mirza, whose name has a ‘Diya’ in it, should understand that there is a certain kind of cultural identity associated with Diwali. Nobody is propagating pollution or bursting crackers, but we need to introspect ourselves. We don’t need a lesson from others on what we should be doing as Mumbaikars. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also objected to the message by Dia Mirza. “Dia Mirza is a film actress and belongs to the Muslim community, but this is not a matter of any particular community. The Constitution grants every religion the right to celebrate its festivals. Just as Hindus respect and participate in Eid, Hindu community celebrates Diwali. If firecrackers are not burst, Diwali may lose some of its significance, though we must also be concerned about excessive pollution.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC said: “Diwali is clearly the festival of lights.
