Why did Dia have to undress before hundreds of men?

Bollywood actress Dia Mirza has portrayed a wide variety of characters throughout her career spanning over two decades. However, a particular experience early in her life permanently changed her perspective.

In a recent interview, the actress recalled the song "Mujhe Tumse Mohabbat Hai" from her 2004 hit film Tumsa Nahi Dekha, where she had to appear in near-underwear attire in front of hundreds of men on set for the shoot.

In an interview with Bollywood Bubble, Dia revealed that growing up in a highly conservative family in Hyderabad, she felt a certain hesitation and awkwardness about her own body and appearance. However, that particular song opposite Imran Hashmi in Tumsa Nahi Dekha broke all her social and mental inhibitions.

Dia said, "As a woman, this was one of the toughest things I have ever had to do. I had to undress and appear almost bare in front of 500 to 1,000 men on set. But during the shoot, I realized that an artist has to conquer all inner fears and hesitations to bring authenticity to their character. That shoot helped me become confident about my body."

Mentioning the environment on set and the cooperation of choreographer Vaibhavi Merchant, Dia said the crew made her feel extremely safe. In her view, these bold decisions early in her career helped her mature over her 25-year acting journey and establish herself as a complete artist.

Directed by Anurag Basu and produced by Mukesh Bhatt, Tumsa Nahi Dekha was largely inspired by the famous Hollywood movie Pretty Woman.

The film depicted the love story between a wealthy young man and a bar dancer, and besides Dia Mirza, Imran Hashmi, Anupam Kher, and Pooja Bharati played important roles.