Dia Mirza's a green girl

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. CS spoke to Dia about her concerns and efforts:

Who: Dia Mirza
What: Her love for the environment
Where: At a studio in Goregaon

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.

By: Midday

Movie Review : Love Breakups Zindagi

Love and breakups have become a common component of urban zindagi. As much as predictability has become a part of most romantic comedies. This zillionth Bollywood spinoff on the second half of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai is no different! 

Jai (Zayed Khan) and Naina (Dia Mirza) are in their individual mismatched relationships. Until they meet in a common friend's wedding. Amidst song-dance routine, cupid strikes Jai by the interval point. Naina is uncertain until her doting mother advices 'wahi karo jo tumhara dil kehta hai' (how pioneering and profound!) Alas she takes a little too long to decide while the viewer has already reached to the conformist conclusion.

Till date, Bollywood has devised only two alternatives for the climax of a film like this. In the feel good format, the other man willingly decides to let go his ladylove for the main hero (like Salman Khan did in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai). The other option is when this other man acts difficult (Jimmy Sheirgill in Tanu Weds Manu). This film belongs to the former feel-good variety.

While the film could have brought some variety with its other assorted couples, the problem with the writing is that all the supporting tracks are half-baked. Jai's friend (Cryus Sahukar) falls for a 'Sheila' (Tisca Chopra) who isn't exactly 'jawaan'. While this odd-aged couple has its moments of charm and comedy, their bonding could certainly have been explored in a better way. The girl from Dairy Milk ad (Umang Jain) has graduated to having ice-creams here after her multiple break-offs, but her sweet revenge spree was far from funny.

The film does have a lighthearted mood throughout but one does feel that its sense of humour, though not bad, could have been more fine-tuned and sharp. While this brand of comedy is anytime better than a senseless slapstick, there is a feeling that the film could have been funnier. At the same time while the director tries to keep things subtle and avoid melodrama, some situations lack the basic intensity that the drama demands. Like Jai's breakup with his first girlfriend (Pallavi Sharda) comes across so
casually that it seems as if nothing has happened. The pacing is slow and the length is a little too long for a predictable film.

Zayed Khan and Dia Mirza share good chemistry and are decent in their acts. Dia has a natural charm. Cyrus Sahukar underplays his character and is the butt of most jokes. Tisca Chopra looks delightful despite playing a (slightly) elderly female. Umang Jain is cute but has a short-lived character. Vaibhav Talwar plays in a limited range but pulls off his part. Satyadeep Mishra is good. Pallavi Sharda and Auritra Ghosh get no scope. From all the special appearances, Boman Irani is hilarious and leaves more impact that Shah Rukh Khan who doesn't do much beyond playing himself and endorsing furniture brand.

Director Sahil Singha doesn't show any innovation in the storytelling of his debut venture but he still has the command to bring a smile on your face, thanks to the breezy romance and the film's optimistic outlook. While being conventional cinema, it isn't essentially exasperatingly cliched.

Neither utterly lovely nor breakthrough! Love Breakups Zindagi is that variety of predictable cinema that is passable.

Light, enjoyable tracks in ''Love Breakups Zindagi'' (IANS Music Review)

Film: 'Love Breakups Zindagi';

Music Directors: Salim and Sulaiman Merchant;

Lyricist: Javed Akhtar; 

Singers: Salim Merchant, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shradha Pandit, Shafqat Amanat Ali and Shruti Pathak;

Rating: ***1/2 

The music of 'Love Breakups Zindagi' is a testimony of its theme and feel and hence comprises songs revolving around the three words, love, break-up and zindagi (life). Salim-Sulaiman's compositions don't surprise anyone, but neither do they disappoint. 

The album has four originals and one remix track. 

The first song of the album 'Rozanna', enthusiastically crooned by Salim Merchant, is characterised by a pleasing acoustic beginning. An instantly likeable, candy floss and positive song, 'Rozanna' is moderately paced and gets you hooked, especially with the high octane used to sing the word 'Rozanna'. That is the highlight of the track. 

A good start to the album. 

It also has a remixed version mixed by DJ A-Myth. 

The next one is a song that brings together talented singers like Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Shradha Pandit and Salim himself. Called 'Rab rakha', the song has a slight Sufi touch, which is a part of Salim-Sulaiman's inherent style of composition. A hummable track that you would like to hear in loop. However, the only dampener is the few English words incorporated in the song. They seem quite unwanted. 

Next, romance flaps its wings with 'Love love love' that has Benny Dayal and Shradha Pandit behind the mike. A song with a strong pop feel, 'Love love love' has a slight similarity to American singer Jason Mraz' 'I'm yours'. But that doesn't take away the interest from this track-it has its own individuality as well. It's peppy and lively, spreading a youthful flavour. 

Finally, the album takes a grim turn with Shafqat Amanat Ali, Salim and Shruti Pathak singing 'Chhayee hai tanhayee'. A poignant number that creates a pensive mood, the song has a Sufi flavour and is worth a hear.

On the whole, Salim-Sulaiman have brought to the table a light, entertaining and free-flowing score-a reason good enough to buy the album. 

(Ruchika Kher can be contacted at ruchika.k@ians.in)

Dia Mirza finds 'Mr Right' Sahil Sangha, but marriage not on cards

Bollywood Actress Dia Mirza has found her 'Mr Right', but marriage is not yet on the cards, she says.

"Every woman has to marry some day and I would love to marry as well. I am blessed that I have found a person who I can trust and depend on. When the time is right we would get married," Dia told reporters here, after launching the music of her maiden film as producer.

The actress is in a relationship with Sahil Sangha, business partner and director of her first production, Love Breakups Zindagi.

Dia, in association with actor Zayed Khan and Sahil, has formed Born Free Entertainment Pvt Ltd.

During the press conference on Thursday, she blushed when asked who the lucky man was. The (lucky) man, Sahil, said, "You have not done your homework."

Asked about marriage plans, Dia said, "I have not done the planning. The reports about my marriage in 2012 are incorrect. When I was asked whether I would like to marry Sahil I had said I would, as that is the intention of our relationship, but when are we marrying has not been finalised at any level."

About the love-story in her own life, Dia said, "I know Sahil for a while. It was connection at first sight....the first thing is to find that connection...where you can meet mentally and have similar values."

Love Breakups Zindagi, a romantic-comedy starring Zayed and Dia, is slated to release on October 7.

'Dabangg' dominates Bollywood awards with 6 prizes

From left to right, Diya Mirza, Priyanka Chopra, Anushka Sharma, and Shah Rukh Khan acknowledge the fans while on stage at the end of the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards in Toronto early Sunday morning, June 26, 2011.

TORONTO—"Dabangg," a tale about a corrupt police officer, dominated the 12th International Indian Film Academy awards, snagging six prizes including best picture at the star-studded event in Toronto—held on North American soil for the first time. 

"My Name is Khan" also scooped up several top honors at the five-hour award bash that started Saturday night and rolled over into early Sunday. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan took the prize for leading male role for the film, about the treatment of Muslims in a world of heightened suspicions following the Sept. 11 attacks.
Khan played the family's Muslim patriarch who suffers from Asperger's syndrome. The film, nominated in seven categories, also took home the prize for best direction and best story. Khan was handed his award by Bollywood superstar Anil Kapoor and two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank, who congratulated Bollywood for helping to unite the world through film. 

Lisa Ray arrives on the green carpet at the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards, Saturday, June 25, 2011, in Toronto.

"Hollywood and Indian cinema must bring the world closer together," said Swank, draped in a glittering sleeveless deep red gown. "I believe in IIFA's vision—one people, one world." 

Another Academy Award winner, Cuba Gooding Jr. presented the best director award to Karan Johar for "My Name is Khan," declaring that he was impressed by the power of Indian films around the world. 

"I think it's absolutely wonderful how India has traveled the world of entertainment and I would love to play and be a part of a Bollywood movie myself," said Gooding, who broke out into a few dance moves. 


"Dabangg" led the awards tally sweeping trophies in the music category in Toronto's packed Rogers Centre, filled with more than 22,000 Bollywood fans and stars. The hit took the prize for best playback singer female, best playback singer male and best music director. A playback singer pre-records songs so Bollywood actors can lip sync to them in their films. "Dabangg" star Sonu Sood won for best performance in a negative role. The film also garnered the awards for best screenplay and for best female debut which went to Sonakshi Sinha for her role in the film as Sood's love interest. 

Anil Kapoor and Hilary Swank wave to fans as they arrive on the green carpet at the 2011 International Indian Film Academy Awards, Saturday, June 25, 2011, in Toronto.

Anushka Sharma won the best female lead for her role as an assistant to a wedding planner in "Band Baaja Baaraat," a film about the world of wedding planning. Arjun Rampal took home the best male supporting prize for the political thriller "Raajneeti," and best supporting female role award went to Prachi Desai for "Once Upon a Time in Mumbai." 

Kangana Ranaut, the model turned actress, gave the night's first performance with her fellow "Double Dhamaal" actors Arshad Warsi, Javeed Jaffrey and Ashish Chaudry. The film was one of several that premiered during the IIFA weekend. 


A lifetime achievement award was given to Dharmendra Deol, patriarch of the Deol dynasty, who received the special award for his 55-year-long career. Dharmendra's sons, Sunny and Bobby Deol, Bollywood stars in their own right, performed with their father for the first time on stage to a song from their film "Yamla, Pagla, Deewane." 

Outstanding achievement in Indian cinema went to Sharmila Tagore, who has starred in such films as "Mera Sapnon Ki Rani," "Namkeen," and "Chingari," and has spent 52 years in the industry. Tagore's son is the popular Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan. She said her son wanted to attend the weekend festivities, but couldn't because they are both finishing films. 

Ontario Premier  

Dalton McGuinty gave a speech at the ceremony, which also saw a number of energy-packed Bollywood dance numbers and tributes, capping the three days of festivities. McGuinty lured the IIFA to the city by pledging $12.25 million. 


Roughly 16,000 of the 22,000 tickets to the awards ceremony available to the public sold out in minutes. Those lucky enough to get seats were charged between $49 and $126, while resellers offered last-minute tickets online for more than $1,500 each. 

Launched in 2000 at the Millennium Dome in London, the annual IIFA awards have traveled around the world in the hopes of exposing the genre to various audiences and opening trade markets. 

Holding the event in Toronto was a strategic move as India's cinematic royalty makes a bid for a piece of the North American box office. Held previously in Amsterdam, Sri Lanka, Macau, London, Malaysia, Dubai, Singapore, Bangkok and Johannesburg, IIFA is capitalizing on the already huge Bollywood following in Toronto, which has an estimated population of nearly 700,000 South Asians. 


"For the first time in its 12-year history, IIFA makes its North American debut, and its biggest stars are you," Kapoor said in a mix of English, Hindi and Punjabi while pointing to the audience. "Thank you Ontario. Thank you so much for making us feel the warmth in Canada." 


Organizers say more than 200 filmmakers and actors came from overseas in the bid to gain inroads into the North American market and build production partnerships. 

The awards gala is considered India's biggest media event and one of world's most-watched televised spectacles, with hundreds of millions of viewers tuning in.

I'm glad that I had a fight with Zayed: Dia Mirza

She swept floors and brought things from her home on the sets of her maiden production venture. Actress-turned-producer Dia Mirza got so involved in the production of "Love, Breakups, Zindagi" that her partner Zayed Khan had to actually scold her to calm her down. "I swept floors. I brought half of the things from my own house. For me, producing a film was not just about bringing in funds, making schedules and dealing with numbers, it was about realizing the imagery that we all had in our mind. There is a certain level of involvement that I feel a producer needs to have to give the film that push it needs," Dia told. Dia and Zayed, along with Sahil Sangha, have launched the production house Bornfree and are currently in the process of finishing their first film under the banner. It is being directed by Sangha and stars Dia and Zayed. "Zayed scolded me once on the sets. I was behaving as if guests have come to my house. So I was taking care of smallest of things myself. Zayed was like you are an actor also, so you just need to calm down and relax and take a seat when your shot is over," said the 29-year-old. "It was a healthy fight and I'm glad that we had it. He was scolding me because he was looking out for me and that's what you expect from your partner, to care for you, to account for you," she added. "Love, Breakups, Zindagi" is a romantic comedy and is slated to release in August. The film also stars Cyrus Sahukar, Tisca Chopra, Satyadeep Misra, Pallavi, Vaibhav Talwar and newcomer Auritra Ghosh and Umang in lead roles. Although Dia is enjoying her newfound role of a producer, she finds it extremely exhausting. "I've been asked what am I doing to lose weight, I said, I turned producer. With Sahil, Zayed and me, our day after pack up didn't end. It's been long hours, but it is just such an overwhelming experience to see what you thought to do," she said. "I didn't have any clue that it will be so enormous a task. I think you have an inclination, but you don't realize how much you have to put into it to make it happen everyday. I think you really need to love it passionately to give it all of yourself," she added. Now that she has tried production, Dia, who has acted in films like "Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein", "Tehzeeb", "Lage Raho Munna Bhai", "Shootout at Lokhandwala" and "Hum Tum Aur Ghost", is keen on donning the director's hat. "Direction is something I have always consciously thought about even when I was acting. I think it was my level of interest in the technicalities of making a film and how it all comes together. Soon I will direct a film," she revealed.

Dia Mirza, Zayed Khan – The On and Off Screen Partners

The dazzling Bollywood beauty Dia Mirza and Zayed Khan have appeared together in movies such as “Dus”, “Cash” etc. The audience has appreciated the cute couple on screen. It remains to be seen how they fare as off screen partners.

Both of them are the business partners now days. Their film production company is named as the “Born Free Entertainment”. Sahil Sangha is the third partner of the production house, along with Zayed and Dia. The company is all set to start work for its first venture.

The first movie is titled as “Love, Break Ups, Zindagi”, it is a movie based on the real day to day life and the importance of love in it. The entire star cast of the film was present in the launch of the movie at a suburban lounge on one fine afternoon. All the people are visibly excited about the film project. 

Tisca Chopra, who is a part of the film’s star cast praised the efforts under taken to make the movie and appreciated the efforts of Dia and Sahil, to highlight the credits of all.

Zayed Khan is also looking forward to the romantic film as his come back vehicle and states that the role is a welcome change from the action movies that he have been doing.

Dia Mirza is in demand

Everyone in Bollywood is in a mood to sign up for a film with Dia Mirza. No, the actress isn't paying handsome remunerations. However, she has a bag of goodies that looks like Karan Johar's Koffee with Karan gift hamper accompanying the cheques being sent out to the actors who will be there in her home production.

Dia feels sending the gift hamper with the cheque just adds a thoughtful touch to the whole signing business. "Sending just a cheque is not a warm gesture," she smiles. "Since it is Zayed's (Khan), Sahil's (Sangha) and my first production, we want to add a personal touch to the whole business.''

Dia Mirza on Maxim cover

Well, we know that you would have been swept off your floor with the title. Trust us, even we too were. But what swept were the angelic Di's images in the recent edition of the Maxim magazine (for the uninitiated, Di happens to be the pet name of Dia Mirza)!

Dia looks super hot in this issue. And mind you, Dia is not new to the Maxim family, as this is the second time that she has been the 'Cover Girl' of this mag. And when asked about how she manages to give all the angels a marathon run for their hard-earned money, Dia says, "Eating healthy, working out and most importantly, surrounding myself with work and people that keep me in a positive frame of mind." For all the wannabe Dias out there, here's what she says, "Be real. Be confident. Have an opinion and Express it. It isn't much fun if all you do is care to know more."