Dia Mirza, a prominent figure in Indian cinema and beyond, is celebrated for her acting, modeling, production work, and social activism. This detailed biography explores her life and career in greater depth.
Wiki/Biography
Dia Mirza, born Dia Handrich on Wednesday, December 9, 1981, in Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, is a Sagittarius. She completed her schooling at Vidyaranya High School, Nasr School, and Stanley Girls High School, all in Hyderabad. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ambedkar Open University, Hyderabad.
Physical Appearance
Dia Mirza possesses striking features.
- Height: 5′ 6″
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Black
Family & Caste
Dia’s parents, Frank Handrich (a German Catholic architect and designer) and Deepa (a Bengali interior designer), divorced when she was young. Her mother later remarried Ahmed Mirza (deceased), a Dakhini Muslim man from Hyderabad, giving Dia her current surname. She is an only child. While raised in diverse ethnic environments, Dia identifies with Hinduism.
Relationships, Husband & Children
Dia has been linked to several public figures in the past. These rumored relationships include Salman Khan, Vashu Bhagnani, and Kunal Kapoor. She also had a relationship with musician Bunty Sachdeva.
Dia married Sahil Sangha in 2014, and they separated in 2019. Following her divorce, she found love again with Vaibhav Rekhi, a Mumbai-based businessman, marrying him in 2021. In May 2021, they welcomed their son, Avyaan Azaad.
Career
Modelling & Beauty Pageants
While studying, Dia worked as a marketing executive, balancing her job with modeling assignments. In 2000, she participated in Femina Miss India, winning Miss Beautiful Smile, Miss Avon, and Miss Close-Up Smile titles, along with second runner-up position. This led to her victory at Miss Asia Pacific 2000, a significant achievement.
Acting & Production
Dia’s acting debut was in “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” (2001). She went on to feature in numerous successful films including “Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge,” “Dum,” “Tumsa Nahin Dekha,” “Parineeta,” “Lage Raho Munnabhai,” “Salam Mumbai,” and “Sanju.” She co-owned the production house “Born Free Entertainment” with her ex-husband, producing films like “Love Breakups Zindagi,” “Bobby Jasoos,” and the web series “Mind the Malhotras.” After her divorce, she established “One India Stories.”
Dia’s notable roles extend to Bengali cinema (“Paanch Adhyay”) and web series (“Kaafir”).
Social Activism
Dia is deeply involved in social causes. Her work encompasses collaborations with organizations like Cancer Patients Aid Association, Spastics Society of India, PETA, CRY, and NDTV Greenathon. She has worked extensively on HIV awareness, female foeticide prevention, and environmental conservation. Dia has held ambassadorial roles for various causes, including the Wildlife Trust of India and Swachh Bharat Mission.
Awards & Honours
Dia has received numerous accolades throughout her career, reflecting her talent and commitment to social issues. Some of her notable awards include:
| Year | Award | Organization/Event |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Great Women Achiever Award for Beauty | (Organization not specified in source) |
| 2011 | Green Globe Honor for Extraordinary Work by a Public Figure | (Organization not specified in source) |
| 2011 | Women’s Achievement Award | (Organization not specified in source) |
| 2016 | Ms. Eternal Beauty | Femina Miss India |
| 2016 | The Woman of Substance | Rotary Awards |
| 2017 | Valerian of Environmental Issues | Makers of “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” |
| 2019 | Best Actor Female (Critics) | IWM Digital Awards for “Kaafir” |
| 2019 | Woman of Style & Substance | Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards |
| 2020 | Best Actress | Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Award for “Kaafir” |
Controversies
Dia Mirza has faced criticism for her public statements on various socio-political issues, including her views on the CAA protests and water conservation during Holi. These stances have generated significant debate and discussion online. She has also been involved in controversies related to statements about Mother Teresa and the Sardar Sarovar Project.
In 2020, she publicly denied allegations linking her to the Bollywood drug controversy, asserting these claims were baseless.
Signature
Cars Collection
Dia Mirza’s car collection includes a Lexus LX and a BMW X1.
Favourite Things
Dia’s preferences include:
- Food: Hyderabadi Biryani, Nihari, Khatti Daal, Kheema
- Cuisines: Punjabi, Hyderabadi, European, Italian, Thai
- Actor: Amitabh Bachchan
- Travel Destinations: Machu Picchu, Leh, Cambodia, Africa
- Books: “The Silk Roads,” “A New Earth,” “The Faraway Tree,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “The Motorcycle Diaries”
Facts/Trivia
Dia enjoys cooking, reading, photography, and traveling. She secured her place in Miss India after a family friend suggested she enter. Her first salary was Rs. 5000. Her mother initially opposed her entering the Miss India contest. Before her film career, she appeared in music videos. She has a “freedom” tattoo. A leopardess and her cubs at the Lucknow Zoo are named after her.
