” I was anxious, I just didn’t have the vocabulary to define it at the time,” says Dia Mirza as she opens Up About Dealing With Anxiety Despite Feeling it

Dia Mirza has built a layered identity for herself. While she manages them seamlessly, she has also faced her share of struggles. Recently, the actress opened up about dealing with pressure and anxiety. She emphasized that identifying it and working on it to become a better version of herself is what ultimately clears the path.

Speaking about the same, Dia says, “It was an inability to deal with pressure. And I don’t think most of us are equipped to deal with that kind of pressure. Many of us break, and we don’t even know we are breaking. How many of us live with anxiety…how many of us know our relationships are so hard because we are living with constant anxiety, and that comes from being in a system that is not fueling purpose and is not giving you the space to be.”

Stepping back from the pressure and noise helped her become a more centered version of herself. “From the moment that I stepped back, I am actually doing much more now than I’ve ever done in my life before. I became a film producer at 26; I wrote articles; I worked on the ground with multiple NGOs. I have such a full-body, textured, nuanced existence that I thrive in. And it’s all self-created. No one told me to do these things. I do them because they give me joy, and they deepen my purpose. And yes, I was anxious; I didn’t have the vocabulary to define it at the time.”

After navigating her way, does she feel anxious even today? Yes. “I get anxious even now. I work in climate and gender parity. I feel all levels of anxiety practically daily,” she says and points out that she’s able to witness it and work on it. Dia believes she can empower herself and step out the next day a little more regulated. “I think I am a better mother because I’m able to recognise what’s happening with my body.”

And sometimes, the only way is to identify and navigate your way through it.

Dia has also been widely appreciated for her recent work in Ikka and Operation Safed Sagar. As she gears up to complete 25 years in the industry, fans are eager to see her take on more such challenging roles and exciting projects in the years ahead.