Actor Dia Mirza has spoken out against ageism in Bollywood, questioning the industry's casting practices that continue to sideline older women while celebrating aging male stars.

Speaking at a recent event curated by journalist Barkha Dutt, Mirza highlighted the persistent double standard in on-screen pairings.  "I find it interesting that I'm cast opposite actors in their late 50s, 60s, and even 70s, and we're meant to be seen as romantic equals on screen," she said.

She challenged the industry to imagine the reverse scenario—a woman in her 60s or 70s cast as a romantic lead opposite a man in his 40s. Such pairings, she noted, remain almost unthinkable in mainstream cinema, exposing how differently men and women are treated as they age.

"It's about women being denied the right to age with visibility, dignity, and complexity on screen," she shared, emphasising that her concern is not with men aging but with how women are systematically pushed aside.

Reflecting on the conversation later, Mirza shared on social media: "The power years, truly! Women over 40 know their hearts and minds. I don't believe anyone gets to decide when a woman reaches her peak, when she becomes irrelevant, or when her story ends. We decide that for ourselves. Always."

Known for her advocacy on environmental issues and breaking traditions by choosing a female priest for her wedding, Mirza continues to use her platform to address inequality in various forms.

On the work front, the actor was last seen in "Nadaaniyan", which released in March 2025, playing a supporting role alongside debutants Ibrahim Ali Khan and Khushi Kapoor.​​