Religion is not in Dia’s identity

Actor Dia Mirza (right) says religion is something she explored but it has never been her identity.

“I went to a school that followed the philosophy of Jiddu Krishnamurty. I am a daughter of a Christian father and a Bengali mother and grew up in a Muslim family. So religion has never been my identity. It’s something I explored through the course of time,” she says.

She adds, Identification boundary limits a person. Religion and faith should be followed and practised but should not be made into an identity.”

On the current scenario, where protest against growing intolerance are a talking point, Dia says: “I want to ask those who are questioning the returning of awards that when one person, who has received such a great honour from the country, becomes compelled to take the tough decision of returning it, how many people would have that largeness of heart and commitment to nation?”

“Every individual who returned their award has every right to do so. It is their personal choice. This is a mark of protest because they feel strongly enough to do so,” she said. Dia believes politics and religion should be separate.

“The day politics and religion will be treated independently, we can say we live in a democratic country,” she said.

Every individual who returned their award has every right to do so

Dia Mirza, actor