MUMBAI: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has removed actor Dia Mirza’s video from its pollution-free Diwali campaign after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to her inclusion, triggering a political row, with Mayor Ritu Tawde calling the actor “anti-Hindu” and saying she had been blacklisted.

Mirza, who had appealed to citizens to avoid bursting firecrackers and celebrate an environment-friendly Diwali, questioned the criticism of a campaign based on public interest and the Bombay High Court’s directives.

Speaking to ANI, she said, “Why should anyone be critical of a video that the Honourable Bombay High Court and BMC have made me record in public interest? Air Pollution is an area of concern and all efforts to reduce pollution should be welcomed because its a matter of public health.”

The BMC had launched the campaign amid rising air pollution in Mumbai, urging citizens to celebrate Diwali in an environment-friendly manner in line with a Bombay High Court directive.

Several celebrities were roped in to spread the message, including Mirza, actors Madhuri Dixit and Nishigandha Wad, and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane.

However, Mirza’s clip was removed from the civic body’s social media pages on Sunday after Satam objected to her inclusion in a post on X, tagging the BMC’s official account.

“We don't need lessons on how to celebrate #Diwali from @deespeak. Our traditions are deeply rooted in our culture,” Satam wrote.

Within hours of his post, the BMC, led by Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide, removed Mirza’s video.

Campaign videos featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and Ajinkya Rahane continued to remain on the civic body’s X and Instagram pages.

Dia Mirza reacts after BMC removes Diwali campaign video

Reacting to the controversy, Mirza said in a social media post, “Koi paise nahi liye hain. Bhalai ka zamana hee nahi raha (I did not charge (BMC) any fee (for the Diwali campaign). There is no goodness left in this era).”

The BMC’s post accompanying her video had stated that, in accordance with the High Court’s directives, bursting firecrackers on public roads, lanes and footpaths was strictly prohibited.

Mayor Ritu Tawde defended the removal of the video and made remarks against the actor on Monday. “Dia Mirza has always sided with divisive forces. She had trolled PM Modi on the NEET exam issue,” Tawde told reporters.

“She has always been anti-Hindu. We have blacklisted her,” the mayor added.

Opposition questions BMC's decision

Opposition leaders criticised the civic body for taking down Mirza’s clip, questioning whether the administration had acted under political pressure.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson and former Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar asked whether the civic administration had “become a slave of the BJP or its Mumbai president”.

Alleging that Satam’s interference in the civic body’s day-to-day functioning was increasing, Pednekar said the administration should not have succumbed to what she termed the BJP leader’s “communal agenda”.

MNS corporator Yashwant Killedar also criticised Satam, saying that if the BJP Mumbai president was so fond of firecrackers, party office-bearers should burst as many crackers as they wished outside his residence.

“Our Diwali can be celebrated even by lighting a single lamp and a lantern. Does the BJP approve of Satam's brand of 'hypocritical Hindutva' that supports bursting firecrackers in the name of religion?” he asked.

Nitesh Rane questions Dia Mirza's stand on other religious festivals

BJP minister Nitesh Rane also criticised Mirza, questioning why she had spoken about pollution during Diwali but had not offered similar advice during other religious festivals.

“Dia Mirza tweeted about Diwali, but she never tweets or offers such advice during Eid, Muharram or Bakri Eid,” he said.

“People like her are against the Sanatan Hindu religion. I will discuss this issue with CM Fadnavis and focus on preventing such matters in the future,” Rane added.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC, meanwhile, said Mirza should know the significance of Diwali and the need to be mindful of pollution.

“Dia Mirza, whose name itself means light, should know that the Festival of Lights refers to Diwali. Everyone knows the need to be mindful of pollution and avoid bursting firecrackers,” she said.

Union minister Ramdas Athawale said the issue should not be linked to any particular community, while underlining the right of every religion to celebrate its festivals.

“Dia Mirza belongs to the Muslim community, but this is not a matter of any particular community. In India, the Constitution given by Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar grants every religion the right to celebrate its festivals,” he said.

“Just as Muslims celebrate Eid and observe Ramadan, members of the Hindu community also participate in these celebrations. If firecrackers are not burst, Diwali may lose some of its significance. However, we must also be concerned about excessive pollution,” Athawale added.

(With agency inputs)