MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Tuesday expressed its “deep pain and displeasure” with the recent row over actor Dia Mirza‘s video for the BMC’s eco-friendly and firecracker-free Diwali campaign and asked the civic body to re-upload her clip which had earlier been taken down.A bench of Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Neela Gokhale, taking suo motu note of the issue, said it was anguished by the “petty mindset” of certain persons, especially those who are representatives of the common man.It was “most unfortunate” that such a colour was given to a video made to spread awareness about the environment and air and noise pollution, the HC bench said.No person can question as to why a certain celebrity was chosen by the authorities to spread awareness, it stated.The controversy erupted after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to Dia Mirza’s inclusion in the BMC’s eco-friendly Diwali campaign, questioning why the actor was chosen to advise people on celebrating the festival.
The ‘Tukde-Tukde Gang’ jibe
Following his objection, the civic body removed her video from its social media platforms, while retaining similar campaign clips featuring Madhuri Dixit, Nishigandha Wad and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, news agency PTI reported.Ameet Satam linked an appeal against the use of firecrackers during Diwali with the “tukde tukde gang”, alleging that anti-India forces were attempting to dictate how Hindus should celebrate Diwali.Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also labelled Mirza “anti-Hindu” and said she would not be included in future BMC programmes or featured on its official platforms.
The ‘koi paise nahi liye’ retort
The actor, meanwhile, responded to the criticism by pointing out that she had made the video in public interest and had not charged the civic body for it. “Koi paise nahi liye hain. Bhalai ka zamana hee nahi raha,” she said, according to PTI.Union minister Ramdas Athawale criticised the Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein actor over the BMC video, advising her to “focus on acting” rather than posting comments against a religion. He said the Constitution gave every religion the right to celebrate its festivals and acknowledged that bursting firecrackers was part of Diwali tradition, while also noting that excessive pollution was a concern.The row drew criticism from opposition leaders, with Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad accusing the BJP of politicising an environmental awareness campaign. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale, too, criticised Mirza, saying she should focus on acting rather than religion, ANI reported.
What HC said
Taking suo motu cognisance of the controversy, the High Court said the BMC commissioner was right in choosing celebrities to spread awareness and that nobody could question the selection. It also reminded the authorities that its directions against bursting firecrackers on public roads and streets applied throughout the year, irrespective of festivals.“Every person, irrespective of their religion and caste, is breathing the same air,” the bench observed, stressing that Mumbai’s identity rested on togetherness and mutual respect.The court said the BMC’s decision to remove the video following political objections was an unwarranted knee-jerk reaction and directed it to restore the clip.(With agency inputs)
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