‘Money is important to further causes’
Juhi Chakraborty
Dia Mirza is not just an actor and producer, she is also an activist who is involved with various causes round the year. Recently, she received a special mention by the Nelson Mandela Foundation for her work in nature conservation and vulnerable children protection. And the actor is naturally elated, for the late Nelson Mandela was an inspiration.
“It was just a sweet surprise. I had no idea and a mention just popped on my Twitter. Sometimes, surprises and recognitions like these keep you motivated. He (Mandela) was such a wonderful man, I admired him so much. The work his family is continuing to do is so admirable,” she tells us.
The special mention, the actor says, is part of the campaign ‘Celebrate Women, While Women Are Alive’, under which the foundation has been identifying the works of extraordinary women across the globe, throughout the month. “They have been recognising and applauding those who have been working towards global goals. These are also based on recommendations. There must have been people who sent my name to them,” she explains.
Humbled by the recognition, Mirza, 38, says she is able to do her bit driven by passion and purpose, but admits the financial aspect is important, too. “Of course, money is important, it can help further many causes. Most of what I do is self-funded. I try not to be consumed by a capitalist approach. I work for money, but I don’t work only for money,” she ends.