The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) removed actor Dia Mirza’s video appealing for a pollution-free Diwali after Mumbai BJP chief Ameet Satam objected to it. In the video, Mirza urged Mumbaikars to avoid firecrackers and noise pollution. The civic body had cited a Bombay High Court directive in its original post, stating that bursting firecrackers in public spaces was prohibited. However, the BMC did not give a specific reason for removing Mirza’s video. Satam criticised the actor’s appeal, saying people did not need her lessons on how to celebrate Diwali. He also accused her of pursuing an anti-Hindutva agenda. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde also criticised Mirza. She referred to the actor’s past positions on the Narmada project and the Uniform Civil Code, and said Hindus did not need her to tell them how to celebrate Diwali. Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane questioned why Mirza had spoken about Diwali but, according to him, had not made similar appeals during Eid, Muharram or Bakri Eid. He also said he would discuss the matter with the Chief Minister. Mirza defended her appeal, calling air pollution a public health concern. Her video came as several parts of Mumbai recorded deteriorating air quality in recent weeks. The BMC later posted videos featuring actor Madhuri Dixit and cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, who also appealed to people to avoid firecrackers.