Mumbai civic body removes Dia Mirza anti-firecracker video after political objection

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed a video featuring actress Dia Mirza from its social-media channels after the BJP’s Mumbai president, Ameet Satam, raised objections. The video had asked residents to refrain from bursting firecrackers to reduce noise and air pollution during Diwali.

Satam posted on social media that the city did not need “lessons” on how to celebrate Diwali, referencing the video. No official statement was given by the BMC regarding the removal.

The video was part of a broader public-awareness campaign launched after the Bombay High Court ordered a ban on bursting firecrackers in public spaces and suggested that celebrities be enlisted for outreach without compensation. Other celebrities, including Madhuri Dixit, cricketer Ajinkya Rahane and actor Nishigandha Wad, have posted similar messages that remain available.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Shaina NC commented that Diwali is a festival of lights and implied that cultural identity should guide celebrations. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale also expressed concerns, noting that while firecrackers are part of tradition, pollution remains an issue.

The BMC’s initiative marks its first use of celebrity endorsements to promote compliance with the court’s firecracker ban amid ongoing concerns about air quality in the city.