On June 3rd, mainland Chinese actress Dilraba Dilmurat celebrated her 34th birthday, and her former boss and close friend, Yang Mi, promptly sent her birthday wishes as always. Yang Mi wrote on Weibo, “Happy birthday, dear! May all your wishes come true. Miss you,” and this affectionate message delighted fans.
This year marks the 6th consecutive year that Yang Mi has celebrated Dilraba’s birthday since 2021. Over the years, their relationship has evolved from endearing nicknames like “Precious Baby” and “Little Bun” to this year’s simple yet heartfelt “dear.” Despite the varying terms of endearment, Yang Mi’s fondness for Dilraba is evident in every word.
The bond between Yang Mi and Dilraba stems from the former’s support in the latter’s career and their years of collaboration. Over a decade ago, while Dilraba was still in college, Yang Mi discovered her and signed her to “Jiaxing Media,” a company co-owned by Yang Mi. Yang Mi helped her navigate through various drama sets and secure roles, allowing Dilraba to gradually gain recognition.
Many viewers first became acquainted with Dilraba through their shared projects, such as “Eternal Love” and “The Pillow Book.” In particular, “Eternal Love” significantly boosted Dilraba’s popularity and laid the foundation for her to become a top-tier actress. Dilraba remains grateful for this opportunity, exemplified by her tradition of posting birthday wishes for Yang Mi at midnight, a gesture that resonates with many fans.
In the entertainment industry, Yang Mi and Dilraba are often described as “boss and artist under the company,” “senior and junior sister,” or “senior and junior” in terms of their relationship. Yang Mi has referred to Dilraba as “our artist” in interviews, showcasing her care and support for Dilraba.
In 2023, Yang Mi announced the end of her collaboration with “Jiaxing Media,” sparking public interest. Many speculated whether Dilraba would also leave the company and if they would collaborate again in the future.
According to reports from several mainland media outlets in late February and March 2026, Dilraba’s 13-year contract with “Jiaxing Media” expired on February 26, 2026, without renewal. Subsequently, Dilraba’s career affairs are now managed by her personal studio.
Reports indicate that Dilraba, as the main earner for “Jiaxing Media” in recent years, played a crucial role in the company’s revenue, contributing nearly 30% and holding top endorsements, leading the mainland’s “Star Commercial Value Rankings.”
Dilraba’s contract termination has put “Jiaxing Media” in a difficult position, facing the prospect of talent vacuum. Some long-standing discontented fans have criticized the company for unfair treatment towards Dilraba, such as sidelining her for newcomers, inefficiency in handling negative publicity, and overwhelming work schedules. They hope their idol can independently develop and gain greater autonomy.
Last October, Dilraba attended Paris Fashion Week. During the event, the heel of her right high heel shoe completely broke, causing the sole and heel to separate, leaving her to walk on just the toes, yet she managed to complete the show, media interviews, and other proceedings. Fans criticized the styling team for not checking the equipment beforehand, putting Dilraba in a risky and awkward situation. In an interview, Dilraba expressed that the first thing she wanted to do after watching the show was to take off her high heels.
Early last year, a netizen in Japan found Dilraba’s passport, which contained her photo and detailed personal information. The incident sparked widespread attention and discussions, with Dilraba’s team confirming its authenticity after verification. Some fans expressed dissatisfaction with the team’s carelessness, as they had previously lost another artist’s documents from the same company and now Dilraba’s passport, prompting fans to criticize the company’s lax handling of artists’ documents.
In recent years, both Yang Mi and Dilraba have emerged as leading actresses. While Yang Mi expanded into investments, production, and talent management from acting, Dilraba has become one of the most commercially valuable actresses in the Chinese entertainment industry. Therefore, their relationship is viewed more as that of “senior and junior who worked hard together” rather than a simple boss-employee dynamic.
Some netizens have observed heartwarming moments between the two during public events, like when Yang Mi noticed Dilraba struggling to walk in high heels and offered her a helping hand, instantly greeted with a warm response. Their affectionate interactions have left many fans touched, commenting on the genuine friendship between these beautiful women. With Yang Mi’s recent birthday message to Dilraba, fans couldn’t help but exclaim, “The friendship between these beauties is truly enviable” and “Their bond is so heartwarming.”