Netizens call Dia Mirza 'entitled and rude' for sharing that her son schooled a coconut vendor on the use of plastic

Dia Mirza Rekhi and son Avyaan (Picture via Instagram)

Actor and environmental activist Dia Mirza has come under fire on social media after recounting an incident involving her five-year-old son, Avyaan Azaad Rekhi, during a recent appearance on Soha Ali Khan's podcast. While Dia shared the story as an example of raising an environmentally conscious child, many internet users felt the incident reflected privilege and a lack of empathy towards a coconut vendor.

Dia Mirza talks about her son schooling a coconut vendor

Speaking about her family's strict stance against single-use plastic, Dia recalled how a coconut vendor delivered coconuts packed in plastic bags with plastic straws. She narrated that Avyaan answered the door and immediately objected to the packaging.

Recalling the incident, Dia said, "The coconut wala delivered the coconut and nothing burns my blood more than coconut water arriving in plastic bags with plastic straws." She added that her son told the delivery worker, "Bhaiya, plastic me lekar aaye hai, hamare ghar mein plastic not allowed. Aap usko plastic se nikalo, usko neeche rakho aur plastic aur straw leke jao."

Host Soha Ali Khan praised the young boy's confidence, saying, "Imagine standing up to somebody who is an adult and to have that conviction." However, the conversation soon sparked criticism online after clips from the podcast began circulating on social media.

Dia Mirza faces backlash for her anecdote

Several users argued that while teaching children about sustainability is important, the delivery worker should not have been reprimanded for simply doing his job. One comment read, "The entitlement is unreal. If you don't want plastic, go and buy it yourself." Another user criticised what they described as "insulated privilege," pointing out that many everyday products, including cosmetics, come packaged in plastic. Others felt the child should have been taught to express his concerns politely instead of scolding someone providing a service.

The debate has since spread across social media, with users divided over whether Avyaan's actions reflected admirable environmental awareness or unnecessary rudeness encouraged by adults. While some applauded Dia for instilling eco-conscious values in her son from a young age, others argued that kindness and respect towards workers should take precedence, regardless of the message being conveyed.

Dia, who has long been associated with environmental causes and sustainability campaigns, has not yet responded to the online backlash surrounding the viral podcast clip.