4 min learnNew DelhiMar 6, 2026 12:00 AM IST
Actor and activist Dia Mirza as soon as candidly spoke in regards to the refined but persistent sexism she encountered throughout her early years within the Hindi movie business.
In a dialog that pulled no punches, Dia advised Zoom TV: “And I’ll by no means shy from saying this, however the first time I felt revered and valued on a movie set was after I labored for VVC (Vidhu Vinod Chopra). Earlier than that, it had by no means occurred. And I’d labored with the largest producers and among the largest performing groups, actors, every part. Co-actors are very completely different. Girls are at all times handled with a number of love and are very particular on set, however you realize, there’s no respect in your time. There’s no respect for a lot of issues that males are revered much more for, and it’s identical to nomenclature. It’s one thing that they do. No questions requested.”
Dia’s honesty lays naked a actuality that many ladies within the business have whispered about however hardly ever spoken publicly — the surface-level admiration masking a scarcity of real skilled respect.
The actor recalled how engaged on Lage Raho Munna Bhai underneath Vidhu Vinod Chopra’s banner and with filmmaker Rajkumar Hirani lastly gave her a glimpse of a more healthy, extra respectful work tradition. “After which we did Lage Raho Munna Bhai collectively, and I used to be like, ‘Ye toh kamaal hai, itni khushi ho sakti hai logon ke saath kaam karke.’ I may really feel a lot peace, pleasure, and love.”
This constructive expertise marked a turning level. Feeling newly empowered, Dia determined to take a deliberate step again from the hectic tempo of Bollywood. “After I labored with Raju Hirani, I stated, you realize what, I’m going to spend time simply dwelling a bit of. I’m going to work much less. I need to step again, take one or two years off if I’ve to, simply do a number of workshops,” she stated.
This era of introspection coincided with a private loss — the loss of life of her adoptive father — and prompted Dia to re-evaluate her place throughout the movie business. “The grief took me inward and made me realise what this lure is that I’m caught in. I’m simply being commodified and sexualised, and I’m undecided whether or not that is the trail that actually offers me pleasure.”
Dia’s phrases function a reminder that behind the glamour of Bollywood lies a extra complicated and sometimes tough path for ladies, even for these already profitable.
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In line with counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa, a lot of these put-downs typically aren’t questions. “They’re really energy strikes. Particularly, disguised as humour or offhand remarks. These are referred to as microaggressions—refined, typically unintentional slights that talk bias or disrespect. You are feeling small, dismissed, or identical to one thing is certainly off,” she defined.
Vatsa says that when the individual doing it holds extra energy, comparable to your boss or a household elder, it’s tougher to reply. “You’re anticipated to snigger it off, be well mannered, not create a scene. That stress silences many individuals.”
You may attempt to set boundaries like Dia did. “You don’t want dramatic responses. Generally, a relaxed ‘That wasn’t humorous’ or a pause is sufficient. And even silence. You don’t have to carry out your discomfort for another person to take it significantly.”
Vatsa added that when somebody recurrently places you down, it’s tempting to regulate your self to keep away from consideration. However you don’t have to turn into smaller so another person can really feel larger. That’s not your accountability.
