Dia wants road journey across India

Actress Dia Mirza says she loves to travel by road and wishes to travel across the country like this.

"I love road journeys! Simplest way to observe the finer details of a country. Some day I'd like to have travelled all of India by road," Dia tweeted.

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Dia Mirza wants to celebrate Diwali with her boyfriend

Dia Mirza's artistic skills are known. This Diwali, the actor-producer has exclusively painted a piece of art to help raise funds for a cause.

The funds raised from her painting, 'Gift Of Life', will be given to Shakti Vahini, a human rights NGO.

"This is the first commissioned painting that I made. I always paint because this is something I enjoy doing since my childhood, " Dia told.

"I find it extremely relaxing, it is wonderful to paint because it is a kind of meditation as you spend time with yourself and your thoughts, " she added.

The actress was here to launch the festive collection of cosmetic retail brand The Body Shop, which will place the painting at its outlet at Select Citywalk mall in south Delhi for 10 days.

The painting will be gifted to the person who spends the maximum at The Body Shop store. The amount will be donated to Shakti Vahini.

Dia said she inherited the talent from her father.

"My childhood was spent watching canvases and paints. I have been exposed to a lot of art from childhood. I have grown up crawling around clays, " she said.

How will she spend Diwali?

"I am terribly confused. I want to spend Diwali in Delhi because Sahil's family is here, " said Dia, who has been dating director Sahil Sangha for a year.

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It has taught me to embrace a challenge: Dia Mirza

Dia Mirza on her latest Bengali release 'Paanch Adhay' and stepping out of her comfort zone 

Over the years, several stars from Bollywood have tried their hand at Bengali cinema. And Dia Mirza is happy that the industry there has perceived her as someone who has perfected the Bengali accent on the big screen.

Speaking about her recent Bengali release Paanch Adhay, the actress says, Paanch Adhay has taught me to embrace a challenge in a whole new manner. Bengali isn't my first language. The Bangla film industry and the culture were fairly alien to me and yet the script and the director were calling out to me.

My hunch... my recognition of what may be a rewarding risk to take has only got better. The film allows me once again to believe in what has always been the key to an engaging film a good simple story that is relevant, real and poignant.

Dia, who is half-Bengali by birth, feels that language is no impediment when it comes to cinema. The actress says, Language eventually is no barrier, if the craft of the storyteller is sound. Then he or she will capture your imagination. I can see that the Bengali film industry is succeeding in doing so at an increasing rate.
Post her film Kahaani, Vidya Balan's popularity in Kolkata has just been on the rise. In fact, the actress had marked her big screen debut with the Bengali film Bhalo Theko. No wonder that a pujo pandal in Kolkata adorned the actress' photograph in all the fineries fit for the Goddess. Bah, ki daroon! 

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Paanch Adhyay for mom: Dia Mirza

Actress Dia Mirza, who made her Bollywood debut with 2001 release 'Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein', has dedicated her first Bengali film 'Paanch Adhyay' to her mother

'It is my first Bengali and my first regional film ever. I dedicate this to my mother, who is a Bengali. She is turning 60 this year and it was a very special moment for me when she saw the movie and said 'this is the best birthday gift you could have ever given me',' Dia said. She was here at a press conference of the film after it was screened Tuesday at the ongoing 14th Mumbai Film Festival.

'Paanch Adhyay' is film critic turned director Pratim Das Gupta's first film. It is the story of love found and lost in the lives of a contemporary Indian couple, told in moments of past and present.

Talking about her role in the film the 30-year-old actress said: 'My character Ishita is not serious but is a very mature woman. Something which I have not played earlier. It is diametrically opposite to the kind of roles I have played till now.'

The cast of the film includes actors Priyanshu Chatterjee, Soumitra Chatterjee and Sampurna Lahiri.

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The small things make a lot of difference: Dia Mirza

Even a small step can make a lot of difference. At least that is what actor Dia Mirza believes in.

The pretty lady who is a champion for eco-friendly living tells B-S, The small things make a lot of difference. For example, I make it a point to remove my charger from the socket and switch off the power after I finish charging my cell.

This is something most of us forget. In many homes, you will see the charger plugged in with the switch on. It wastes so much energy. Even with taps, people leave them on when they are not required. Well Dia, you can surely give lessons on energy efficiency.

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Three's company: Bipasha, Priyanka and Dia snapped having fun

It is very rare to see three actresses pose for such a happy picture. Priyanka Chopra, Dia Mirza and Bipasha Basu were in Jakarta recently for a show

Bips posted this photo on her micro-blogging site. Always happy to see these happy girls @priyankachopra n @deespeak. Sickness took a backseat! Had a good time in Jakarta!

Chalo... we know at least these three actresses get along...

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Dia sad about missing Big B's b day bash

The whole of Bollywood is geared up to celebrate megastar Amitabh Bachchan's 70th birthday, but actress Dia Mirza won't be a able to join the mega celebrations.

"Sometimes work takes you away from moments that you really wish to be part of...like tonight Mr. Bachchan's 70th BDAY celebration, " tweeted Dia, who is in Jakarta for some work.

Amitabh turns 70 Thursday, but a special, star-studded celebration is set to witness the Who's Who of the film industry Wednesday night.

Dia finds the veteran actor "a great inspiration".

"My most memorable film with him is Shoojit Sircar's film ('Shoebite'). Can't wait for you to see it. Epic performance. The amount of work he packs in, his dedication, commitment and love for the craft is just unparalleled. RESPECT, " she added.

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Oops! Nawazuddin collides with Dia Mirza at a red carpet event!

Nawazuddin Siddiqui's B-Town ride may finally be smooth sailing after years. However the actor's red carpet appearances seem far from it

The Kahaani and Gangs of Wasseypur star collided with Dia Mirza on the red carpet of a magazine awards event recently.

Says an onlooker, `Dia arrived first on the red carpet. After posing for snapshots and giving news bytes, she moved away only to have Nawaz do a collision course. He walked straight into her! Perhaps there was something on his mind or he was so distracted that he did not see Dia.`

Adds the onlooker, Nawaz was obviously taken aback by his oops moment and extended a hand to the actress.

And it was probably the longest handshake in B-Town! Nawaz did not let go off her hand right through their conversation. Nawaz who bagged the Breakthrough Talent of the Year award at the event seemed to have done his own breakthrough on the red carpet!

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Dia Mirza loves classic Indian jewellery

Actress Dia Mirza reveals she has an inclination towards traditional Indian jewellery and happily sports it wherever and whichever way she can.

"If you notice the kind of jewellery I wear, it could be diamonds, uncut diamonds, it could be gold, platinum whatever. I am more attracted towards classic style. I really enjoy traditional jewellery," the 30-year-old said here in an interview.

"So the older the piece looks, the more traditional the piece looks, the more excited it makes me," she added.

Asked who she thinks carries the Indian jewellery in the best way in Bollywood, the name that immediately crops up in Dia's mind is yesteryear diva Rekha.

"I think when you talk about jewellery and grace, you instantly think of Rekhaji," said Dia, who was recently honoured as 'Jewellery Style Icon' of the year at Retail Jeweller India Awards 2012.

"For years, my seniors and contemporaries have always looked up at her as the quintessential icon for jewellery and style and she is the real diva," she added.

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Dia Mirza - the green girl shares Toilet humour

Dia Mirza has been felicitated for her efforts this year at an awards show and is also on the board of directors of an MNC to look into environmental concerns as part of social initiatives. 

Love for the environment is something that's part of her upbringing. B-S spoke to Dia about her concerns and efforts:

An early bird
I think my awareness about the environment stems from my upbringing. My dad who was an industrial fair designer once got an assignment to redesign a factory. When my dad went to see the site he saw that the factory was dumping its waste in the nearby river. 

Seeing that, he simply refused to take on the project. My school was also instrumental in raising awareness about global warming. Way back in 1987-88, we were taught about not using plastic bags and so on.

Women power
Travelling across the country for environmental issues has been an eye-opener. All those who crib about the present state of affairs in India should see some of the amazing work happening at grassroot levels.

I remember going to Rajasthan where a young girl managed the water supply level. The whole village looked upto her, and respected her efforts immensely. What's doubly great is that women are drivers of change in rural India.
Toilet humour
I remember once going to a place called Narwara in Rajasthan. A group had built a check-in dam in the village as a part of social initiative, and we had gone for a village meeting to enquire about its functioning and maintenance.

Surprisingly, when I spoke to the women about the idea of building a toilet in their homes, they were against it. They told me that going to the riverside every morning to answer nature's call was a better idea as it was the time when all the women got together for some socialising. 

These women were not allowed to step outside their homes by the men folk and that was the only time when they got to go out and meet each other. I couldn't control my laughter when I heard this.

Wild instincts
Nature inspires me in every way. When I see the rains from my living room window, I feel motivated to paint or listen to some good music. The best part is the sense of oneness. No one ever feels out of place in a natural setting. I love outdoors, be it the forests or mountains. There is so much natural beauty in the country.

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Dia keeps up her commitment despite being ill

Actress-turned-producer Dia Mirza proved to be a true professional when she took to the ramp for a jewellery brand despite running high fever. It's all about commitment, she says

"Ek baar maine jo commitment kar di (Once I give my commitment)... I think that's the joy of what we do, right! It doesn't matter whether you are running a temperature or you are not well.

What matters is to come out there and give your best. We have enough people to make us look good, so it's all okay, " the 30-year-old said here.

"I think as creative people, our need and desire is to constantly evolve. We are like the river, we flow in different directions and we learn a little from everything along the way.

So, what I do with my life is because I love what I do and because of my desire to grow, " she added. Dia was last seen in her co-production venture "Love, Breakups, Zindagi" and is currently shooting for Sanjay Gupta's "Alibaug."

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I will marry Sahil but it is not happening right now

The actress on why she loves the monsoons and her environmental interests

Dia Mirza has been known to be an active supporter of nature conservation. And it is not a surprise when the actress says she is a big fan of the monsoon season.

In fact, for her efforts towards making the environment clean and green, she was recently conferred with an award at a Bollywood gala in Singapore. Dia chats with us about her beau Sahil, the rains and her tips to make the world a prettier place.

You have been tweeting regarding the rains...
Oh yes, I love the rains. I feel the rains create a very creative ambience. They set you up for something creative and lively and your mind is also more relaxed.

You obviously want the world to look more beautiful...
The recent award means a lot to my mother. I went to a very school that taught us about the use of newspapers, paper bags, saving electricity and water. I still remember them even when I have grown up. 

The popular culture in India encourages recycling, for example, the concept of raddi-walas. Even in the society where I stay – People are environment-friendly. On every weekend, we separate wet garbage and dry garbage and people are not allowed to use pipes to wash their cars. They have to use buckets.
How’s work at your production house going?
A lot is happening on the production side. We will hopefully be finalising and making some major announcements. At the moment it is in the formative stages. I am very passionate about the production house but I want to take it slowly and do a good job.

Any new film offers?
Yes, there are have been offers. But to be very honest, there is nothing that has excited me yet.

Will the wedding bells ring soon?
I have always maintained that when the time comes, Sahil and I will tell everyone. It is definitely an eventuality but it is not happening right now.

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Mumbai rains make B-Town celebs nostalgic

If Bipasha Basu enjoyed a hot cup of tea, Anupam Kher went down memory lane and Ashish Chaudhary loved the sight of raindrops. Bollywood celebrities are soaking in the joys of Mumbai rains.

A few took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the heavy rains that lashed Mumbai Wednesday, disrupting road and rail traffic.

Here's what the celebs had to say:

Ameesha Patel: Good morning darlings. Woke up to such beautiful rains. Felt like curling back into bed with some hot chocolate and staying in all day.

Bipasha Basu: Waking up to a steaming cup of my recent favourite 'Organic Green Tea Passion'! Raining cats and dogs and more! Have to wade through all that to get to the dub!

Anupam Kher: Is it only me who associates rains with nostalgia? A carefree childhood, tin roof house, muddy games, torn umbrella and just laughter.

Ashish Chowdhry: Love seeing the heavy rains out of my window, yet can't help thinking about the homeless. And the poor, who's homes have leaky crumbly roofs.

Dia Mirza: Rain does bring with it a certain melancholy a sense of nostalgia. Dancing in the first shower, jumping, giggling, chasing.

Sujoy Ghosh: Full 'Posiedon' adventure happening below my building. Where did all this water come from?

Nafisa Khan: Only thing to do in such torrential rains is to dance away.

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Dia and Zayed announced their production house

Bollywood actors Dia Mirza and Zayed Khan, who have launched their production house Born Free Entertainment, annouced Wednesday that their first film is a romantic comedy titled " Love, Breakups, Zindagi".

Written and directed by their third partner, Sahil Sangha, it will see Cyrus Sahukar, Tisca Chopra, Satyadeep Misra, Pallavi, Vaibhav Talwar and newcomer Auritra Ghosh and Umang in the lead roles.

"With our first production we have put our money where our mouth is. Above all, 'Love, Breakups, Zindagi' is an entertaining look at today's relationships. But it is also absolutely honest about it. It has characters that will imprint themselves on the hearts and minds of all viewers," Sangha told reporters.

Zayed and Dia will also feature in the film. Talking about their new venture, Dia said: "We sincerely believe that film making is first and foremost about honesty. You need to be honest to your characters as actors, and you need to be honest to the story as a director. And we believe that we need to be honest to the audiences, delivering exactly what we promise."

Zayed said that their production house will celebrate all kind of talent from anywhere. "How often have you had a brilliant idea and thought there was no way you could translate that on to the screen? Well, Born Free Entertainment intends to give talented storytellers the opportunity to do exactly that, no matter what genre, no matter what background they come from."

The film will go on floors in March and is slated to hit screens August this year. Salim and Sulaiman Merchant will compose the music, while Javed Akhtar will pen the lyrics.

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