Dia Mirza, Born To A Christian Father And A Hindu Mother, Still Uses A Muslim Surname, Here's Why

Dia Mirza, who swooned millions of hearts with her debut film, was hailed as people’s crush in the early 2000. Her beauty and charm made her one of the most sought-after actresses of Bollywood. Before venturing into films, Dia modelled for brands like Lipton and Wall’s ice cream, Emami and a few others. In 2000, she was the second runner-up at the Miss India pageant and went on to win the Miss Asia Pacific title.

In 2001, she made her acting debut in Gautham Menon’s film, Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, opposite R Madhavan. The film made Dia a huge sensation overnight. After her debut film, Dia went on to appear in films like Dum, Deewaanapan, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Tumsa Nahi Dekha, Parineeta, Dus, Lage Raho Munna Bhai and a few others.

Though everyone is aware about Dia’s professional life, not many people know that Dia has seen broken marriage, separation and remarriage early in her childhood. Let us read on to know some lesser-known aspects of Dia’s life.

Dia Mirza’s parents got divorced when she was baby

Dia’s biological father, Frank Handrich was a German artist by profession and her mother, Deepa was a Bengali interior designer. However, when Dia was five-years-old, her parents separated. She was very attached to her father and considered him as her hero.

Once, in an interview, Dia stated that she had never seen her parents fight, and she thought her parents were ideal. After her parent’s separation, she would meet her father on weekends and stay with her mother during weekdays. She would eagerly wait for the weekends to spend time with her father.

Did you know Dia Mirza left her house at the age of 5?

Yes, you read that right. The stunning Dia Mirza once had a fight with her father and he shouted at her out of anger. Dia, who couldn’t take it, left the house and went to her relative’s place. But when her father got to know, he promised never to do the same again.

Why does Dia Mirza uses a Muslim surname?

Soon after her parent’s separation, her mother married Ahmed Mirza, a Hyderabadi Muslim. Dia Mirza had to move from a half-European home to an Indian Muslim home. After her stepfather entered her life, she made it very clear to him that he could never take her father’s place. When Dia lost her biological father at the age of 9, her stepfather filled in the void and became her best friend.

In a throwback interview with Bollywood Hungama, Dia Mirza shared that she changed her surname from Handrich to Mirza. Revealing why she took her stepfather’s surname while participating in Miss India, Dia said:

“We shared a beautiful relationship that started with friendship. As I grew older, I realised that I had spent so many years of my life with him. He became like a father to me. That’s why, when I participated in Miss India, I adopted his surname.”

When Dia Mirza was shattered after her stepfather’s death

Dia shared a close bond with her stepfather, Ahmed Mirza. In 2003, she lost her stepfather, too, and it was a big shock for her. Dia, who was 23 at that time, felt miserable after losing two fathers in a lifetime, and the actress bounced back to life by working relentlessly.

Dia Mirza marriages to Sahil Sangha and Vaibhav Rekhi

Talking about Dia Mirza’s personal life, the actress got married to her long-time beau and filmmaker, Sahil Sangha. However, in 2019, the couple announced their separation. The ex-couple didn't share the reason behind their separation but had a cordial bond. Later, Dia Mirza remarried businessman Vaibhav Rekhi in February 2021, and they have a son, Avyaan Azaad.

Did you know these rare facts about Dia Mirza’s life? Let us know.

Also Read: Meet Trishika Kumari, Queen Of Mysore Who Gave An Heir To Wadiyar Dynasty After 400-Year-Old Curse

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