By Janine Moodley
Amid last week's hype of the South African Indian Film and Television Awards (SAIFTA), with Bollywood stars everywhere, I had the opportunity to interview the flawless beauty, actress and producer, Dia Mirza in Umhlanga prior to the awards on Thursday, 5 September. This is what the Bollywood stunner had to say:
JM: Having travelled around the world, what makes Durban, South Africa unique and different from other countries?
DM: I love South Africa, especially Durban. I mean what's not to love, its clean, the people are super friendly, I love the clear blue skies and beautiful ocean. Durban also has a large population of Indians which makes me feel like it is a home away from home.
JM: You have worked with acting legends such as Zayed Khan, Abhishek Bachchan and Sunil Chetty, who has been a pleasure working with and who not so much?
DM: (laughs) You're trying to get me into trouble aren't you? Well I'm not going to be diplomatic but I'm going to be honest in saying that every person you work with has their own individual personality and characteristics. Some of them are really fun and enjoyable to work with and there are some who can be really distant and keep to themselves, do their work and go back home, that's fine as long as they don't make it difficult for you. I think I've been very lucky because majority of the people I've worked with were very warm, friendly and very supportive.
JM: Who is dressing you for SAIFTA and what are you wearing?
DM: Manish Malhotra together with another designer as well as my stylist has put all my garments together. It is an indian garment cut in a western style.
JM: What are you most excited about regarding SAIFTA?
DM: Watching the local talent on stage whether it is their performances, or their hosting. It's going to be fun.
JM: Correct me if I'm wrong but you belong to PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals)? Tell us why you have chosen to support this particular organisation?
DM: I'm a big animal lover. There is a major problem with using snake skin for shoes and clothing India as well as the rest of the world and I want to do my part to try and stop the high rate of killing and show the world that is not ok to kill animals for fashion.
JM: You also do work for HIV/AIDS organisations in India and as you know South Africa has a very high rate of HIV/AIDS infected people. What advice would you like to give to those that are infected and affected by this pandemic?
DM: I think what most communities and groups are focusing on is to rehabilitate people who are HIV infected and to help them live a normal life because there is a huge social impact that people have to go through when diagnosed with the disease. The truth is that today, medicine has come a long way and have helped those infected to live a normal life, to do everything that they used to do. What is most important is working on everyone else's attitudes towards the disease. In India we have a very big battle with people with AIDS, they are completely ostracized from society. There are so many HIV deaths that do not even get a funeral because nobody comes to collect their bodies and its really really sad. I think we all keep repeating the concept that, by touching a person that has AIDS you might contract the disease which is not true. By sharing a hug, you're not going to get the disease, do not alienate them, give them respect, give them love and allow them a life of dignity.
JM: You are currently dating your business partner, Sahil Sangha, is marriage on the cards anytime soon?
DM: Yes, marriage is definitely on the cards. It should happen as soon as our film allows us to.
Just for fun:
JM: High heels or flats? Depends on the occasion
JM: Saif Ali Khan or Zayed Khan? Both (laughs)
JM: Sari or dress? Again, it depends on the occasion.
JM: India or South Africa? Awwww…….South Africa
JM: Biryani or pasta? Biryani
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