
Dia Mirza Rekhi
Stage Name / Nickname: | Amateur photographer & eco‑activist |
Date of Birth: | December 9, 1981 (Age 43) |
Place of Birth: | Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India |
Nationality: | Indian |
Figure Measurements: | 34-26-34 |
Net Worth: | ₹25–30 crore (~$3–5 million) |
Height: | 5 ft 6 in (167 cm) |
Education: | Marketing executive turned model; pageantry (Miss Asia Pacific International 2000) |
Marital Status: | Married |
Spouse: | Vaibhav Rekhi (m. 2021) |
Children: | Avyaan Azaad Rekhi (son), step‑daughter Samaira Rekhi |
Parents: | Frank Handrich, Deepa Mirza |
Known For: | Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Kabbaan, Thappad, Kaafir |
Early Life & Pageantry
Dia Mirza was born December 9, 1981 in Hyderabad, to a German father and Bengali mother. She worked as a marketing executive and model before being crowned Femina Miss India Asia Pacific in 2000 and Miss Asia Pacific International the same year, launching her into film opportunities.
Acting Career & Breakthrough
She debuted in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001) opposite R. Madhavan—initially a box-office flop, it later gained cult status and won her a Filmfare Best Female Debut nomination. She went on to appear in Dus, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Shootout at Lokhandwala, Kurbaan, Sanju, and Thappad, showing both commercial and critical success.
Works
Films & Web (comma‑separated): Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Dum, Deewaanapan, Parineeta, Dus, Lage Raho Munna Bhai, Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., Shootout at Lokhandwala, Kurbaan, Sanju, Thappad, Dhak Dhak; Web: Kaafir, Mind the Malhotras (producer), IC 814: The Kandahar Hijack.
Production Work
Dia co-founded Born Free Entertainment in 2011 (produced Love Breakups Zindagi, Bobby Jasoos, Mind the Malhotras) and later launched One India Stories in 2019 to tell progressive, women‑centric stories.
Activism & Sustainability
A UNEP Goodwill Ambassador and UN SDG Advocate, she dedicates significant time to environmental causes, sustainable business investing, and spreading awareness on climate, plastic pollution, and biodiversity. Her eco-investments include brands such as Beco, Greendigo, Shumee, and Allter—reflecting a philosophy of conscious capitalism. She also focuses on cruelty-free fashion and zero‑waste living, including plastic-free celebrations for her child.
Net Worth & Ventures
Her net worth is estimated around ₹25–30 crore (~$3–5 million), built from acting, endorsements, production, and investments. She charges around ₹1–2 crore per film and earns from brand collaborations and speaking engagements.
Awards & Recognition
- Zee Cine Award & Bollywood Movie Award – Best Female Debut (Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, 2001)
- Filmfare Best Debut nomination (RHTDM)
- IIFA Green Award (2012)
- Gold Award – Best Actor OTT (Critics) for Kaafir (2019)
- Filmfare Glamour & Style Award – Woman of Style & Substance (2019)
- Mother Teresa Memorial Award (2022)
- Iconic Environmentalist of the Year (2024) & BBC 100 Women 2023 honoree
Personal Life
Dia was previously married to Sahil Sangha (married 2014, separated 2019). In 2021, she married businessman Vaibhav Rekhi. Their son Avyaan Azaad Rekhi was born in May 2021, and she is also step-mother to Samaira.
Trivia & Lesser-Known Facts
- Shared a hotel room with her hairdresser in early career for safety during shoots
- Calls herself a “part‑time actor” to devote most time to environmental work
- Consistently uses sustainable fashion in red carpet and daily wear choices
Upcoming & Recent Projects
In 2023 she starred in Dhak Dhak—a women‑driven road‑trip drama—which received Filmfare nods for ensemble performances. In 2025 she appeared in the teen comedy Nadaaniyan (Netflix), cast alongside Khushi Kapoor and others, albeit with mixed reviews. Dia is also developing new content via her production banner, focused on diverse, impactful female stories.