Dia Mirza talks about ageism in Bollywood, says, ‘It's liberating to play the best roles of my life at 40’

Dia Mirza is one of Bollywood's most stunning actresses. With Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), the former beauty queen made her acting debut and won over the hearts of the audience. Dia, who turned 40 in December last year, recently addressed ageism in Bollywood, saying that the roles she is currently getting make her feel "liberated and empowered."

The actress said, "Ageism is something that we have to contend with and I am glad the opportunities that are coming my way today in so many ways have fixed this problem. Every time I get to play a powerful character in a good film, I am challenging that norm, resetting the big gap and divide that the industry had created for women post the age of 35 and limited them only to playing certain kinds of parts."

“It is a powerful recognition and intervention that I am playing the best parts of my life now when I am 40. This is just so amazing, liberating, empowering, and wonderful. It is a reflection of the fact that there are individuals in the industry that are evolving. And it is proof of the fact that you have to remain persistent, consistent, and want to continue to push boundaries as a performer as opportunities will open up for you," she added.

On the work front, Dia is currently filming Dhak Dhak, a film produced by Taapsee Pannu, co-starring Sanjana Sanghi, Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Ratna Pathak Shah. She will also star in Anubhav Sinha's upcoming film Bheed, which features Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar in lead roles. Stay tuned for more updates!