Dia Mirza Condemns Stalking, Refers To RHTDM As Terrible

The cinematic world has been grateful to Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein (RHTDM) as it bestowed spectators with an icon named Dia Mirza. Yet, the film's promotion of stalking in the name of romance is a separate matter entirely, and it's critical to address it by looking ahead. To be honest, little has changed since 2001, because stalking and toxicity are still common, and thanks to the development of digitalization, it's only gotten worse and more robust.

Even nowadays, the entertainment business celebrates traditional masculine behaviour, and forgiving predators in the name of romance is widespread throughout industries. Almost 21 years later, Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein's visual beauty remains intact, as does the issue of normalized stalking, which is troublesome in more ways than one.

Dia Mirza Condemns Stalking In RHTDM

Dia Mirza, who had her debut appearance in 2001 with the movie Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein, has spoken out regarding the film's alleged glorification of stalking. If she were offered the picture now, she would doubt "some aspects" of it, and she firmly opposes the act of stalking. Dia and her co-star R Madhavan both made their debuts in Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein.

Dia was questioned in an interview, "Would such a film attract attention today?" "I can't really speak on whether that picture can be made or not," the actor responded, "because all kinds of films are coming around." Yet, if I were offered that picture, I would raise concerns about some components of it and hope that the writers would adjust them. I absorbed some components of that film and realized they were relevant to the proper transmission of love. I firmly oppose stalking. It's a terrible thing to do, as per my point of view."

Madhavan (Maddy) is infatuated with Dia (Reena) and claims to be her fiancé in Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein. He attempts to woo her over after trailing her around and deceiving her.

Dia commented on the film's glorification of stalking, saying, "In addition, Maddy's role stalk Reena, but he also lies to her." Of course, she ends her relationship with him after she finds out the truth, only to discover that he is sincerely sorry and affectionately feels for her. Yet there is no excuse for following in this world; lying is bad, and stalking is far worse." "I believe as a culture, we don't see stalking as a horrible thing," she continued. I believe our films are responsible for propagating the idea that lying is the correct thing to do and normalising stalking is way worse"

Gautham Menon directed and wrote RHTDM. The film was a replica of Minnel, a Tamil film that somehow fosters Stalking and normalising lying in a relationship.

Pop Culture and Normalisation Of Stalking

To claim that cinema is not evolving would be bogus. There are movies being made that aim to eradicate toxic masculinity one narrative at a time, but we're not there yet. Undoubtedly, the business has given us a few cult love classics, but overall, the way that romance is portrayed in movies hasn't progressed all that much. It is necessary to end the pervasive masculinity of males pursuing the ladies of their dreams with complete disdain for the desires of women. The better course of action would be to promote more ideas that teach consent in all aspects of relationships and that gracefully handle rejection and acceptance.

Suggested Reading: ‘YOU’ Released- Can We Stop Romanticizing Stalking As Love?