Into The World Of... Dia Mirza

A poster girl for clean living, the model, actor and producer credits her flawless, glowing skin to a holistic lifestyle that includes meditation and breathing, turning almost vegan, using eco-friendly products and finding her true calling as a social activist.

- Sheree Gomes Gupta

Model, actor, producer, social activist and wife… Dia Mirza has gone from wearer of the bejewelled crown to one of many hats. A crusader for environmental causes, last year her efforts were recognised by the United Nations when she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Environment for India. Whether it’s using her star power to promote sustainable fashion and beauty or her commitment to a “greener lifestyle,” Mirza is determined to influence positive social change. “Growing up, community work was an integral part of my education. I discovered early on the joys that one feels in making a difference… It gives you a deeper sense of purpose and a meaning to your existence,” she says, as she lets Vogue into her beautiful life.

SOCIAL ACTIVISM

After I won my beauty titles (including the Miss Asia Pacific 2000), several opportunities to serve opened up. Very quickly, while working with cancer patients aid associations and other NGOs, I recognised that my core strength was communication, and that I could use it effectively to influence positive social change.

CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENT

Both my parents had a very clear sense of what was happening, because the alarm bells for climate change started ringing in the ’80s. In fact, the year I was born, scientists released the first report on climate change. When I was much older and realised just how much pressure a developing country like India was putting on ecosystems and the environment on the whole, I started doggedly pursuing well-known conservationists, as I wanted to be better informed to spread awareness.