Background: Diya Mirza was born in December 9, 1981 in Hyderabad, India. Her father Frank Handrich, a German National, is an interior designer. Her mother is native Bengali.
Beauty Queen: Diya Mirza began her career as a fashion model. Her first photo shoots included assignments with Lipton, and Emami amongst others. She was the second runner up in her first pageant, the Femina Miss India Beauty Pageant, but won three titles including Femina Miss India-Pacific, Sony Viewer's Choice Award, and Miss Beautiful Smile. She went on to be crowned Miss Asia-Pacific in 2000, making her the second Indian to win this award.
Career in Film: Diya Mirza made her film debut with Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein (2001). She has worked steadily since, with roles in such films as Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Deewaanapan. In 2005, Mirza appeared in Parineeta, a Vidhu Vinod Chopra production. In 2006 she teamed up once again with Chopra and Sanjay Dutt for the successful film Lage Raho Munna Bhai.
