Indian actress Dia Mirza is gearing up to complete 25 years in the film industry this year with her iconic film Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein reaching an important milestone, her career resists easy categorisation. Actor, producer, author, environmental advocate each role has unfolded not as a detour, but as part of a larger, deliberate arc. In an industry that often rewards noise, Mirza’s trajectory has been shaped by continuity, conviction, and a steady widening of purpose. A quarter-century on, she stands as one of Indian cinema’s rare modern polymaths.

Cinema as a Site of Choice

Mirza’s filmography reflects a career built on intention rather than volume. While she entered mainstream cinema early, her long-term choices reveal a consistent pull towards stories that challenge, rather than conform. From emotionally grounded roles in Thappad and Sanju to the physically demanding and stereotype-defying biker role in Dhak Dhak, her work has often explored women in motion internally and externally. Even after two and a half decades, Mirza continues to engage with narratives that allow for growth, risk, and reinvention without spectacle.

Beyond the Screen: Advocacy as Long-Term Work

Mirza’s association with the United Nations has been one of sustained engagement, not symbolic alignment. Over the years, she has served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, an Advocate for the UN Secretary-General’s Sustainable Development Goals, and an Ambassador for the Wildlife Trust of India. Her work in this space spans global forums, environmental campaigns, and grassroots initiatives, with a consistent focus on climate action and conservation. In an era marked by fleeting causes, her advocacy has been defined by longevity and depth.

Eco investment: Where Values Meet Capital

Sustainability, for Mirza, extends into how she chooses to invest. She has backed purpose-led brands such as Beco, Shumme, Babychakra, Allter, among others ventures that sit at the intersection of commerce and climate consciousness. These investments reflect a broader belief that business can be both profitable and responsible. Rather than celebrity endorsements, her involvement points towards a growing culture of impact-driven entrepreneurship.

Producing Stories That Reflect the Moment

As a producer under her banner One India Stories, Mirza has focused on narratives rooted in social and environmental realities. Her projects engage with themes such as climate change, farmers’ issues, and social equity stories designed to provoke thought rather than chase scale. The move into production marks a natural extension of her worldview, allowing her to shape content that aligns with the issues she has long championed off-screen. Her short film Panha recently won the award for Best Short Film at Alt Eff.

Writing for the Youngest Minds

Adding another dimension to her polymath identity, Mirza has also carved a space as an author. She is currently preparing for the release of her childrens book, continuing her efforts to speak to younger audiences about empathy, nature, and conscious living. The books echo her broader philosophy: that meaningful change begins early, through storytelling that nurtures awareness and responsibility.