Bothers me when identities are viewed through religious lens: Dia Mirza

As someone who grew up in a secular atmosphere, actor Dia Mirza says she is pained when people are viewed through a religious lens.

The actor, who was born to a Christian father, a Bengali mother and raised in a Muslim home, says her identity has never been limited to religion, culture, caste or community.

"My identity has always been of a citizen of this planet and a human being. It bothers me when identities are viewed through a religious lens. If you go back to history, every time human beings have moved towards majoritarianism, they have gone away from inclusivity and they have suffered. They have suffered at the hands of fear," Dia told PTI.

The actor said those who propagate singular ideologies are the ones "who want to control us."
"While my character may belong to Pakistan and Mohit's may belong to India, I don't think we are limited to these demarcations. People in any part of the world will resonate with these characters."
"That have robbed children of their childhood, youth of the opportunities and have deprived them of basic human right. It's not just heartbreaking, it's deeply agonising."
"When the army officer asked me when would I like to come back, I said 'I hope when I return these windows and doors are open'. We won't think twice before opening our windows but these people can't do that. This is what it means to live in conflict."