Dia Mirza was born on December 9, 1981, in Hyderabad to a Bengali mother, Deepa, and a German father, Frank Handrich. Her father was a talented architect and designer, while her mother was an interior designer and landscaper. When Dia was just four and a half, her parents divorced, and her mother later married Ahmed Mirza, a businessman from Hyderabad. Dia adopted her stepfather’s surname, and despite the challenges, found a strong support system in her blended family. Unfortunately, her stepfather passed away in 2004.
One of the most significant moments in Dia’s early life occurred when she left home at the age of 5 following an argument with her father. It was a turning point in her relationship with her family, and after being found by her father, she received a promise from him never to raise his voice at her again.
Career Beginnings
Before stepping into the glitzy world of Bollywood, Dia worked in a media firm, earning a modest salary of ₹5,000 per month. At the same time, she began modeling for print and TV commercials, slowly gaining recognition. Her big break came in 2000 when she competed in the Miss India pageant, finishing as the second runner-up. This led her to represent India at the Miss Asia Pacific 2000, where she won the prestigious title, marking the start of her meteoric rise.
Bollywood Debut and Stardom
Dia’s Bollywood debut came in 2001 with the romantic drama Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, opposite R. Madhavan. The film, now considered a cult classic, was an instant hit, and Dia’s performance as Reena Malhotra earned her widespread acclaim. Her graceful screen presence and charm made her an overnight star.
Following her debut, Dia appeared in several films, including Deewaanapan, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge with Salman Khan, Dus, Parineeta, and Lage Raho Munna Bhai. She has also worked alongside Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, and Salman Khan, proving her versatility across various genres. Her role in Sanju (2018), a biopic of actor Sanjay Dutt, further solidified her place in the industry.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Dia’s personal life has seen its share of ups and downs. She married filmmaker Sahil Sangha in 2014, but the couple divorced in 2019. In 2021, she tied the knot with businessman Vaibhav Rekhi in an intimate ceremony. Later that year, Dia announced the birth of their son, Avyaan Azaad Rekhi, who was born prematurely and spent two months in the NICU. She also embraces her role as a stepmother to Vaibhav’s daughter, Samaira, from his previous marriage.
Beyond her acting career, Dia Mirza is a passionate advocate for environmental and social causes. She is a UN Environment Goodwill Ambassador and has been vocal about issues such as climate change, wildlife conservation, and women’s rights.
Conclusion
Dia Mirza’s journey from a young girl who left home at 5 to becoming a Bollywood star and a globally recognized humanitarian is nothing short of remarkable. Her talent, grace, and commitment to making the world a better place have endeared her to fans worldwide, making her not just an actress but a true icon.
