Dia Mirza on her journey from cinema to conservation

The Hindu

22-06-2025

Acting gave me a voice, a platform, and a reach that I deeply value. But I've always felt a strong connection with Nature; it's been part of my upbringing and identity. Growing up in a verdant city like Hyderabad amid abundant biodiversity drove me to seek a deep connection with Nature wherever I go.
As I became increasingly aware of the urgent environmental crises around us, I realised that visibility comes with responsibility. Gradually, I began engaging more intentionally with this mission, partnering with organisations, supporting campaigns, and eventually becoming a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme. My advocacy is now as integral to my life as my work in cinema.
Starting point
As far as I can remember, the defining moment that led me here was a trip to the Pench forest in Madhya Pradesh during the 'Save Our Tigers' campaign. Walking through those ancient forests, hearing stories of vanishing species, and witnessing a tigress on a hunt gave me a profound sense of responsibility. I also remember the shock of seeing mounds of plastic waste littering the Himalayas while shooting Ganga: The Soul of India. That prompted me to address plastic pollution in my own life. I have since given up using single-use plastics.
Working in this field, I draw immense fulfillment from the knowledge that one's voice can catalyse awareness, shift perceptions, and inspire change. Whether it's encouraging single-use plastic bans, promoting sustainable fashion, or speaking to school children about climate action, the ripple effect is real. Bringing together scientists, activists, policymakers, and citizens around shared goals feels powerful and hopeful. Nature has an incredible capacity to heal, and helping to amplify that message is a privilege.
People connect through stories, not statistics, so I share messages with authenticity and clarity, often rooted in personal experience. Collaboration has been key; working with scientists, NGOs, governments, and artists requires openness and mutual respect. Using media and digital platforms responsibly also helps expand reach and engagement.
Apathy and misinformation
But one recurring challenge is navigating apathy or misinformation. Environmental issues can feel overwhelming, and many feel disconnected from them. I try to address this by focusing on accessible, solution-oriented messaging. Another challenge is balancing advocacy work with the demands of my career and motherhood, but I've learned that every small action counts. It's not about being perfect, but being committed. Even micro actions can have macro impacts.
Looking ahead, I want to deepen my engagement with regenerative practices and community-led conservation. I believe there's an urgent need to make climate education mainstream, especially among young people. It has been rewarding to be involved in programs like Kids for Tigers and to voice educational characters, such as the animatronic elephant 'Ellie,' in a PETA India campaign. This is a space I hope to work more actively in.
In the eventful journey so far, many people and movements have inspired me. The work of Jane Goodall has especially been close to my heart. Closer home, Dr. M.K. Ranjitsinh Jhala, Bittu Sahgal, and the late Dhrubajyoti Ghosh have left a lasting impact. Movements like Chipko and Fridays for Future have shown how powerful grassroots action can be. I've also learned so much from indigenous communities, who live in harmony with Nature.
Looking back, there have been so many memorable moments. At a beach clean-up initiative in Mumbai, a little girl came up to me with a piece of plastic and said, 'I'm doing this because I want the turtles to come back.' Her clarity and innocence brought tears to my eyes. Children are watching us, learning from us; they're ready to lead, we just need to show them the way.
To all young people considering green careers, please know the planet needs you. Whether you're a scientist, artist, lawyer, entrepreneur, or engineer, every career can be green if it's driven by purpose. Don't wait for perfection; start wherever you are. Stay informed, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of community. Nature is resilient, and so are you.
Courtesy: WWF-India
Actor and producer, Dia Mirza is a United Nations Environment Programme Goodwill Ambassador and UN Secretary-General's Advocate for Sustainable Development Goals.