Dia Mirza’s birthday is her top priority

Unlike many in the film industry, actor Dia Mirza always takes time out from her schedule to celebrate her birthday. The actor, who turned 35 yesterday, says: “I was born seven years after my mother was told that she couldn’t conceive. So, my parents made me feel really special and wanted. My birthday was always about giving me a memory... So, it’s my topmost priority.”

This time, Dia’s husband, producer Sahil Sangha, whisked her away for a day trip to an undisclosed destination. And she, too, wishes to keep it a secret.

The year 2016 has been a fulfilling one for Dia. Her Iranian film, Salaam Mumbai, opened to a great response. The actor calls it her best gift. “I did not expect such unprecedented love. I didn’t know if the experiment would pay off. This is the first Iranian film to have been shot in India where the leading lady doesn’t wear a hijab. It was a tough part because it was so unlike the urban woman that I am. I only have gratitude for the opportunities I received.”

Dia has always been vocal about the fact that women need more substantial roles in Bollywood. On why she decided to take a break from acting, the actor says: “I went through a phase when I felt like ‘why should I suffer the disrespect and humiliation of not getting the kind of work I deserved?’ I was in my late twenties then. By God’s grace, my production house is doing well. I didn’t have a rich industry father backing me but I had Sahil as a great partner,” says Dia.

I was born seven years after my mother was told that she couldn’t conceive. So, my parents made me feel really special DIA MIRZA, ACTOR

PHOTO: CESAR MANSO /AFP