I'm marrying early next year: Dia Mirza

Reveals Dia Mirza, who was in the city recently. In a freewheeling chat, the Hyderabadi actor speaks about work, love, life and more.
You have been missing in action from Bollywood for a while now'
I think it's the constant battle you fight in your mind ' you're busy analysing what's being offered to you in terms of work. Around six years ago, I decided that if I have to be part of something, it should give me credibility and make me feel proud of the association.I should look back and think to myself, 'Wow! This is what I've done'. And that's the reason why I got into production so that we can tell some meaningful stories and bring out good cinema.
I'm a big believer in cinema for social change. An actor or person who tells stories, has a great sense of responsibility. I'm not saying that every film should be preachy, but small things happening in movies can hold a mirror to society. It can encourage young people to make better choices in life. And what you play as a protagonist has to compliment that thought. I've been working for the past 12 years. At some point I felt, 'OK, I'm financially comfortable. Now I need to do what my heart believes in'. So, what you have seen me doing in the past four to five years is something I believed in. Even if I make one film a year, I'm fine with it. I don't want to do more than that.
So, when can we expect to see your next?
See, Sahil Sangha, Zayed Khan and I, co-own the production house and we have been working very hard on scripts. Right now, we are ready with three scripts. We'll be going on floors soon and I'm very excited about these projects. Also, I've been offered several films and I'm in deliberations with many directors. Let's see how things materialise. There are two films I'm interested in and they will be starting soon. Then, I've been offered some really interesting stuff on television as well, and I'm quite kicked about it. Though I've been on TV many a times for movie promotions, I was always firm that whenever I do a TV project, it would not be a reality show, but something more pertinent and effective which would show who Iam.
It must have been difficult to make it so far in the industry without a godfather?
It is difficult and terrifying at the same time. It takes a lot of conviction, strength and persistence. But if you look at any success story, you would see tremendous persistence behind it and there would be many failures behind that success too. I think,what I do with my career is a reflection of the decisions I take and I don't have any regrets in my life. I've been brought up in a particular manner and my values allow me to do certain things and refrains from some.
I want respect, and that matters more to me than anything else. Today, if I walk into a room, people look at me with love and that's amazing. An absolute stranger walking up to me and saying 'I love you' is so wonderful. I believe that the camera captures your essence and when you give an interview, or talk to people or interact with them, they get a sense of who you are. And that's an achievement for me.
Which is more exciting ' acting or producing?
The high of producing a film is far greater and distinctly different from the high you get while acting.When you see a thought coming to reality and taking form, an action becoming an image, the image becoming a story that enters into people's consciousness ' it's pretty powerful.
So, any plans of venturing into Tollywood cinema?
I've promised my fans in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh, who keep messaging me on social networking sites, that I'll make a Telugu film for sure.Whether I'll act in it or not is not decided yet, but I'll definitely produce it. I really want to do it soon.
You have been dating Sahil Sangha for quite some time now. Is marriage on the cards?
Yes, I'm getting married to Sahil early next year. That's what we have decided as of now, unless we get too busy with our films (laughs).
What's that one thing you like and dislike about Sahil?
I like his honesty. He's a very honest person, and that's one thing I also dislike about him sometimes because, there are times when you don't want to hear certain things. Like if I ask, 'Have I put on weight?' he says 'Yes'. To this, I'll be like 'No, don't tell me that. Just say I'm perfect' (laughs).
But, you have managed to stay in good shape'
Well, I do a lot of yoga. I'm 31 and still look very young.Well, that's what everybody says. People say I look the same as I did five years ago, and some say I look younger! But that's the beauty of being a woman. It's a scientific fact that a woman is at her best from the age of 30 to 45. Even people in their 20s have their own charm. But, if you carry yourself with confidence, it makes you look better.
So how does it feel to be back in your city, Hyderabad?
It's always wonderful to come back to Hyderabad, because there are so many memories attached to this city. Of course, home is where your family is and my mother currently stays with me in Mumbai. But growing up in Hyderabad and the experience that I gathered here in my childhood and schools days is unforgettable. I share a strong bond with my friends and family here which helps me stay rooted.