Dia Mirza prefers being a 'part-time actor' to devote more energy towards environmental causes

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Dia Mirza says she chose to be a "part-time actor" so that she can devote more energy towards conservation and environmental causes. The actor, also a Goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), said she feels a certain sense of responsibility in making the world a better place. «I was recently telling the head of UNEP in India that I act part time. Most of my time and energy is spent in conservation efforts and environmental action in the country. »I do it because I feel responsible, I feel a sense of urgency. I feel that the only way I can safeguard my children's present and future is if I contribute to solutions that make a difference," Mirza told PTI in an interview here. On Saturday evening, the 41-year-old delivered a keynote speech on sustainable living at a three-day nature and wildlife festival, 'Nature in Focus 2023', held in Bengaluru from July 28 to July 30. But Mirza, known for films such as 'Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein', 'Parineeta', and 'Bheed', agrees that cinema is a powerful instrument of social change.

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Citing the example of Oscar-winning documentary short 'The Elephant Whisperers', the actor said, «I think conservation efforts in cinema can be far reaching. There is no greater medium to impact change than the medium of storytelling.» Mirza said she wants to help in conservation efforts and spread advocacy through her filmmaking ventures and photography. The former Miss Asia Pacific International said the first film she directed is called 'Kids for Tiger'. «It was about eight years ago. It was actually a poem written by Cara Tejpal and Sahil Sangha. It is available