Highlights:
- Dia Mirza compared her debut experience with Deepika Padukone’s
- Farah Khan detailed the preparation given to Deepika
- Dia said she was pushed into multiple films immediately
- She recalled working up to 28 hours a day
- The conversation has sparked discussion about favoritism in Bollywood
Bollywood actor Dia Mirza has opened up about the stark difference between her early career experience and the launch given to Deepika Padukone, shedding light on what she described as a lack of guidance and support during her own debut years.
The conversation took place during Farah Khan’s latest food vlog, where the filmmaker and her cook Dilip visited Dia’s maternal home in Mumbai. While baking banana bread together, the two reflected on their experiences in the film industry and discussed how newcomers are introduced to Bollywood.
Both Dia Mirza and Deepika Padukone made their acting debuts in the 2000s. However, according to Dia, the preparation they received could not have been more different.
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Farah recalled the effort that went into preparing Deepika for her debut in Om Shanti Om opposite Shah Rukh Khan. The 2007 blockbuster turned Deepika into an overnight star and remains one of the most successful debuts in Bollywood history.
As the discussion turned to actor launches, Dia reflected on what she observed happening to other newcomers.
“I have to tell you that people who you say you have launched, I used to read stories about the level of love, care, and attention they get. They are sent for workshops, classes, taught the etiquette of acting, dance classes, addiction coaching.”
Farah responded by saying, “We get the best technicians for them.”
Dia immediately replied, “Stop it, don’t touch my sore spot.”
The exchange highlighted what many see as a long-standing divide in Bollywood between actors who receive structured introductions and those who are expected to learn on the job.
Dia then described her own experience while working on her debut film, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001), opposite R. Madhavan.
According to the actor, there was little preparation before she was sent directly into multiple projects.
“Nothing was done. Was sent straight to work in 5 films, 24, 27, 28 hours a day, non-stop. I used to always tell you that once you work with Pooja Films, you are prepared to work with any production in the country, because we work hard.”
Farah appeared surprised by the revelation and asked, “Were you narrated the script or not?”
Dia answered, “No, just heard it once online. I was told this will be a superhit, do it.”
The discussion then returned to Deepika’s debut and the extensive preparation that preceded it.
Looking directly at the camera, Farah said, “Deepika, so much care I took of you.”
She went on to explain the process.
“I sent her to Anupam Kher’s acting classes for 3-4 months, then Kathak classes, then we did so many look tests. We even started her shoot 10 days later. I asked her to come on the set, be there, see how Shah Rukh, Shreyas are working, and come sit there everyday.”
Farah’s comments offered a glimpse into the resources and planning that went into launching Deepika’s career.
For many viewers, the contrast between the two stories became the most striking part of the conversation. On one side was a debut backed by months of training, workshops, look tests, and observation. On the other was an actor who says she was immediately pushed into five films and worked marathon schedules with little preparation.
The candid exchange has once again raised questions about how differently newcomers are treated in Bollywood and whether some actors receive opportunities and support that others never get.
