Dia Mirza and her stepdaughter Samaira prove that fairy tales got it wrong, with a contact name that says it all.
Actor and environmentalist Dia Mirza recently opened up about her personal life in an interview with Official People of India, offering a glimpse into the warm and evolving bond she shares with her stepdaughter, Samaira Rekhi.
While speaking about the way stories and stereotypes shape our perceptions, Dia mentioned how fairy tales often cast step-parents in an unkind light. “Thank god I didn’t read fairy tales growing up. Because those would’ve created a whole different set of biases. Stepfathers, stepmothers are always evil,” she said, adding with a smile, “Which brings me to Samaira, who has saved my number on her phone as – ‘Dia, not yet the evil stepmother.’”
The remark was light-hearted, yet it subtly reflected the candid and affectionate relationship the two share. It’s a small, humorous reminder of how family bonds, especially in blended families, are formed through trust, time, and shared understanding.
Dia’s own experiences growing up also gave her a unique perspective. Recalling her stepfather, Ahmed Mirza, she shared, “When Abba married Mom, I started calling him Abba. In my child’s heart and little mind, I was extremely accepting of him.” Though he wasn’t naturally expressive, she recalled how the family eventually helped him open up emotionally. “I remember the last time I met him in Hyderabad before I went to an overseas shoot, during which time he passed away (in 2003). I’ll never forget the hug he gave me and the tears he had in his eyes as he said goodbye.”
With grace and sincerity, Dia Mirza continues to embrace the many layers of family, past and present. And while the contact name might be playful, it reflects a bond that’s clearly rooted in affection and mutual respect.
