Dia Mirza Faces Backlash Over Son's Anti-Plastic Stance, Richa Chadha Steps In
Dia Mirza's Environmental Advocacy Sparks Controversy
Bollywood star Dia Mirza, recognized for her commitment to environmental issues, recently became the target of online trolling after a segment from Soha Ali Khan’s podcast gained traction. In the clip, Dia recounted how her young son, Avyaan Azaad Rekhi, firmly objected to a coconut vendor using plastic straws and bags. She shared that he politely reprimanded the seller, stating, "Plastic is not allowed in our home, take it back." While the intention was to showcase the child's eco-consciousness, the reaction from netizens was largely negative, labeling it as a display of privilege. In light of the criticism, fellow actress Richa Chadha has publicly supported Dia.
Richa Chadha Stands Up for Dia Mirza
Richa took to social media to defend Dia, expressing her frustration over the frequent criticism faced by celebrities who voice their opinions on important matters. She highlighted the dilemma public figures encounter, often criticized whether they choose to speak out or remain silent. Richa emphasized that the relentless online harassment can take a toll on mental well-being, noting that such trolling can be profoundly harmful. She pointed out Dia's active participation in environmental initiatives, including her work with a bamboo paper company that advocates for alternatives to traditional paper and a startup focused on recycling plastic into sustainable products like sunglasses. Additionally, Richa mentioned Dia's role in producing a short film centered on climate issues, which is set to premiere at an event in Mumbai. "Check these things out, because if you can bully a 5-year-old, you can also run a basic Google search," the Fukrey actress remarked. Richa urged critics to look beyond their assumptions and verify facts before engaging in online trolling, also noting Dia's contributions to ecological restoration, such as gifting trees as part of her personal initiatives that have inspired others.
Richa concluded by emphasizing that individuals dedicated to social or environmental causes often face personal sacrifices and public scrutiny, and instead of discouraging their efforts, society should recognize their contributions more responsibly. Her remarks were in response to a harsh tweet that mocked Dia and her son for their stance against plastic use. Richa even suggested that the critic start a blog to express his views directly. As of now, Dia has not publicly addressed the ongoing controversy.