Dia Mirza on Kaafir turning into a film again: 'It was first written as one'

The 2019 ZEE5 web series Kaafir, a pivotal moment in Dia Mirza's acting career, has finally returned in its original form as a film. The makers first conceived the project as a film and then modified it for streaming. It portrays the moving narrative of a Kashmiri woman incarcerated in India who lives under Pakistani occupation.

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Dia Mirza on Kaafir's long journey

In an interview with Mid Day, Mirza revealed that the project stalled for an extended period following its initial development as a film. Eventually, ZEE5 expressed interest in developing the show into a series. As a result, the writer Bhavani Iyer revised it. Now that it's streaming in a film format, the actor was wondering what would remain, recognising the fortunate turn of events that restored the production to its original state.

Kaafir is a natural fit with Mirza's complex and ever-changing filmography, which also features films like Thappad (2020), Dhak Dhak (2023), and the thriller IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack (2024). Nevertheless, the actor opens up about the difficulties of securing roles with such profound depth.

Dia Mirza on Dhak Dhak

Dhak Dhak sounded like an edict to Mirza, and it altered her expectations for what her 40s would bring. In reflecting on her trajectory and the restricted options historically given to women beyond a particular age in the industry, she confessed that the industry had made her believe that by her 40s, she would be obscure.

Mirza argues that, although OTT platforms have opened more doors for female actors, she still doesn't see many parts with depth. Opportunities for female parts have been opened up via OTT. Dhak Dhak is one of very few such stories and finding the correct initiatives requires much sorting and, occasionally, ego-damaging. She says no more often than yes.

Dia Mirza on Nadaaniyan getting trolled

Nadaaniyan is Mirza's most recent film, and she co-stars with star youngsters Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor. In response to the cyberbullying that young actors have endured, she shared an understanding viewpoint informed by her experience.

The actor suffered burns at the stake, but social media wasn't around at the time. She can therefore relate to the devastating impact of a personal attack. The only advantage she had was her beauty title. As she reflected on the rigorous scrutiny she endured during her early career, she noted that, beyond that, she didn't have any support system.

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