Zoya Akhtar

Basic Information

• Name - Zoya Akhtar

• Date of Birth - October 14, 1972

• Nationality - Indian

• Profession - Filmmaker (Director, Screenwriter, Producer)

• Social Media Links:

  • Instagram -

Biography

Zoya Akhtar, born on October 14, 1972, is a renowned Indian filmmaker known for her work in Hindi cinema and web series. She is the daughter of celebrated poet and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the film industry, she was exposed to storytelling early on. She completed her education at St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, and later pursued filmmaking at New York University's Tisch School of the Arts.

Zoya began her career assisting acclaimed directors like Mira Nair, Tony Gerber, and Dev Benegal. She worked as a casting director and assistant director before making her directorial debut with Luck by Chance (2009), which earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director. She gained widespread recognition with Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), a film that won her the Filmfare Award for Best Director.

Her filmography includes Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), the musical drama Gully Boy (2019), and anthology films Lust Stories (2018) and Ghost Stories (2020). She co-founded the production company Tiger Baby Films with her frequent collaborator Reema Kagti in 2015. Beyond films, she has worked in digital entertainment, co-creating the hit series Made in Heaven (2019–2023) and the crime thriller Dahaad (2023).

In 2023, she directed The Archies, a live-action adaptation of the popular comic series, which premiered on Netflix. While the film received mixed reviews, she continued her creative journey by collaborating on the coming-of-age drama Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023), which was well received.

Zoya comes from a literary and artistic lineage, with ancestors like the Urdu poet Muztar Khairabadi and freedom fighter Fazl-e-Haq Khairabadi. Her stepmother is actress Shabana Azmi, and her younger brother, Farhan Akhtar, is a well-known actor and filmmaker. She has often spoken about growing up in an atheist household and shares this perspective with her father and brother.

Through her work, Zoya Akhtar has carved a niche for herself in Indian cinema, known for her fresh storytelling, strong character development, and ability to portray modern relationships and societal changes.

Career Timeline

• 1999 - Worked as a casting director for "Split Wide Open."

• 2001 - Served as casting director and assistant director for "Dil Chahta Hai."

• 2004 - Assisted in directing "Lakshya."

• 2007 - Executive producer for "Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd."

• 2009 - Made directorial debut with "Luck by Chance."

• 2011 - Achieved critical and commercial success with "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara."

• 2015 - Directed the ensemble family drama "Dil Dhadakne Do."

• 2018 - Contributed to the anthology film "Lust Stories."

• 2019 - Directed "Gully Boy," India's official entry to the Oscars; co-created the web series "Made in Heaven."

• 2020 - Participated in the anthology "Ghost Stories."

• 2023 - Co-created the series "Dahaad."

• 2023 - Directed "The Archies," a live-action adaptation set in 1960s India.

Achievements

Awards & Recognition:

• Filmfare Awards:

  • Best Debut Director for "Luck by Chance" (2010)

  • Best Director for "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (2012)

  • Best Director for "Gully Boy" (2020)

• IIFA Awards:

  • Best Director for "Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara" (2011)

• Zee Cine Awards:

  • Best Director for "Gully Boy" (2020)

Records/Stats

• "Gully Boy" received a record-breaking 13 Filmfare Awards in 2020, the most for a single film in a year.

Philanthropic Work

• While Zoya Akhtar's philanthropic endeavors are not extensively documented, her commitment to authentic storytelling often highlights social issues, contributing to broader societal conversations.

Key Quotes / Catchphrases

• "Poetry, literature, food, and friends — there are so many things that make my life richer."

Multimedia

Gallery: