Dia Mirza's eco-friendly Deepavali plea sparks political controversy in Mumbai

A civic campaign promoting an environmentally conscious Deepavali celebration has sparked an unexpected row in Mumbai after a video featuring actor Dia Mirza appealing for a noise-free festival was reportedly taken down following political intervention. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation had uploaded a series of public awareness videos on November 1 as part of its festive season outreach programme. However, shortly after Mirza's video was posted, BJP Mumbai president Ameet Satam is learnt to have contacted the BMC administration requesting its removal, according to sources familiar with the matter. The incident has highlighted the intersection of environmental advocacy, celebrity endorsements, and political sensitivities surrounding festival celebrations in India's financial capital. The controversy underscores the broader debate about balancing traditional festival celebrations with modern environmental and public health concerns, particularly regarding noise pollution during Deepavali.