Dia Mirza opens up about her most terrifying midnights in hotel rooms during her early Bollywood days

Time of India

2 days ago

Dia Mirza
began her cinematic journey not as a star but as a background dancer in a Tamil film. Her rise in the Indian film industry has been anything but straightforward. Born outside the glitzy circles of Bollywood, she fought her way into the limelight. Her breakthrough moment came when she clinched the
Miss Asia Pacific International
crown in 2000, a turning point that led her to her Hindi film debut in
Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein
, where she starred opposite R. Madhavan.
Her early years in the industry were marked by both hope and heartbreak. Despite her talent, Dia often found herself sidelined. Many opportunities she deserved were handed over to those with powerful family connections or industry alliances. For an artist without a well-connected background, the struggle was both professional and personal. She recounted how, to ensure her own safety, she would share her hotel room with her hairdresser to prevent unwelcome intrusions during shoots and travels. It wasn't a glamorous life, but it was necessary for survival.
Dia grew up facing hardships early on. Her parents separated when she was just four, and she lost her father when she was nine. While many female actors had the comforting presence of a parent guiding and supporting them through the highs and lows of showbiz, Dia had to build her own support system. She leaned heavily on her team—her hairdresser, makeup artist, and spotboy—who became more than colleagues; they were her extended family, her fortress.
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One of the constants in her life was her spotboy, Prasad Anna, who stood by her throughout her career until his passing during the Covid pandemic. Similarly, her hairdresser remained by her side for nearly two decades, starting from her very first film. This group of dedicated professionals became her shield against the chaos and unpredictability of the industry. She never felt the need to replace them, as their presence gave her the emotional and physical safety many take for granted.
Dia acknowledged that her path as an outsider was daunting, filled with emotional and logistical challenges. But her resilience was born out of necessity. She didn't have parents to navigate the system for her or manage her career moves. What she lacked in industry clout, she made up for with determination and loyalty to those who stood by her.
Recently, Dia was seen in the Netflix release Nadaaniyan, alongside rising stars Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor. Her continued presence in the industry stands as a testament to her perseverance, strength, and the unbreakable bond she formed with those who helped her survive a world that wasn't always kind or welcoming.