DIA MIRZA

If you are a woman and an actor, it does not mean that you have to contain or limit yourself to just being that.

When I was just four-and-a-half, my parents separated and both my parents remarried.

It is extremely empowering when you are making fundamental and critical decisions on different levels of production, till the final showcase on the screen.

The only challenge I faced in the beginning was that no one believed I could seriously see a film through.

There are many women who are getting the opportunity to play fantastic parts on the web like Huma Qureshi in 'Leila,' Shefali Shah in 'Delhi Crime' and so many others. It gives opportunity to those who are not getting the work that they desire to do because of their age. So web is doing a social service.

Beauty is not about good skin, features and figure, but about your nature and habits.

While growing up, I saw how finances can play havoc in anybody's life. While we were comfortable, money didn't come easy.

Beauty judgements are many and while we think that light skin women have no judgements to deal with. There is this filmmaker I love and respect and I really wanted to work with, once told me 'You are too fair to be in my movies.' And then I have also heard 'You are too pretty to play this part.'

I understand its fun to watch a web series up close to your chest is something else, but to see it on a bigger screen and to experience the emotions is magical.

I think the ability to empathize with another person's experience and go into the trajectory of their journey is challenging.

It is impossible to teach people to conserve nature if they don't learn to love nature.

I can make a mean Kachchi Biryani, and sometimes I bake it, too.

I should thank my parents for my beauty. It's in my genes.

My father was a German architect and graphic designer, who travelled all over the world, teaching teachers on how to teach. On one such visit to the Max Mueller Bhavan in Delhi, he met my mother.

I believe in the power of one and that we are all bound by the thread of oneness and humanity.

I cannot write a novel because I cannot work in continuity. My works are more abstract, may be, I will try short story writing.

I was told 'You should just do commercials and Bollywood' and Bollywood would be said to me like it's a bad thing.

I handle my home beautifully. However, I am not just my husband's name.

I always wanted to play a bigger part in the process of cinema, so production felt like a very natural progression and calling.

Some people feel divorce is an excuse to not compromise. Yes, in life you have to adapt and compromise. But the questions is - when does it stop? How much is too much, how less is too little? That's a personal choice.

It's really wrong to judge someone because of their beliefs.

Give me rice, dal and some aachar any day, or a Spaghetti Bolognese.

Children are my favorite people, because they inspire me with their optimism and spirit.

It takes a lot of drive to succeed as an independent producer.

Digital shows have played a big part in empowering female artists. I'm very lucky to be a part of such projects.