Dia Mirza Opens Up About Recognizing Anxiety and Overcoming Pressure: “I didn’t have the vocabulary to define it at the time”

Dia Mirza has built a layered identity for herself over her multi-faceted career. While she manages her various roles seamlessly, she has also faced her share of internal struggles. Recently, the actress spoke candidly about dealing with pressure and anxiety, emphasizing that recognizing these emotions and working through them has cleared the path to becoming a better version of herself.

Speaking about the same, Dia says, “It was an inability to deal with pressure. And I don’t think most of us are equipped to deal with that kind of pressure. Many of us break, and we don’t even know we are breaking. How many of us live with anxiety…how many of us know our relationships are so hard because we are living with constant anxiety, and that comes from being in a system that is not fueling purpose and is not giving you the space to be.”

Stepping back from the pressure and noise helped her become a more centered version of herself. “From the moment that I stepped back, I am actually doing much more now than I’ve ever done in my life before. I became a film producer at 26; I wrote articles; I worked on the ground with multiple NGOs. I have such a full-body, textured, nuanced existence that I thrive in. And it’s all self-created. No one told me to do these things. I do them because they give me joy, and they deepen my purpose. And yes, I was anxious; I didn’t have the vocabulary to define it at the time.”

After navigating her way, does she feel anxious even today? Yes. “I get anxious even now. I work in climate and gender parity. I feel all levels of anxiety practically daily,” she says and points out that she’s able to witness it and work on it. Dia believes she can empower herself and step out the next day a little more regulated. “I think I am a better mother because I’m able to recognise what’s happening with my body.”

And sometimes, the only way is to identify and navigate your way through it.

Dia has also been widely appreciated for her recent work in Ikka and Operation Safed Sagar. As she gears up to complete 25 years in the industry, fans are eager to see her take on more such challenging roles and exciting projects in the years ahead.

By Keerti Kadam