Zoya Akhtar

About Zoya Akhtar

Zoya Akhtar is one of the most admired, influential, and path-breaking filmmakers in contemporary Indian cinema. A celebrated director, screenwriter, and producer, she has carved a niche for herself through her distinctive storytelling, nuanced character portrayals, and her ability to mirror modern society with honesty and artistic finesse. Born into the illustrious Akhtar family, daughter of legendary poet, lyricist, and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and sister of acclaimed filmmaker-actor Farhan Akhtar—Zoya grew up surrounded by some of the finest creative minds in Indian entertainment. This exposure, combined with her innate passion for cinema, laid the foundation for her journey as a storyteller. She further refined her craft by studying filmmaking at New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts, returning to India with a clear vision and an artistic voice uniquely her own.

Zoya made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed Luck by Chance (2009), a film that offered a sharp and insightful look into the Hindi film industry. Her next work, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), became a cultural phenomenon, redefining modern friendship and self-discovery on screen. She followed this success with Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), a powerful and entertaining exploration of family dynamics, and Gully Boy (2019), which received widespread international acclaim and was selected as India’s official entry to the Oscars. Her ability to blend realism with commercial storytelling has made her one of the most trusted filmmakers for audiences who seek depth, relevance, and emotional resonance. Beyond films, Zoya is also a co-founder of Tiger Baby Films, a production house known for championing fresh voices and bold narratives, further solidifying her role as a leader in India’s evolving creative landscape.

When you book Zoya Akhtar, you invite more than a filmmaker, you bring in a visionary, a mentor, and a thought leader whose insights on creativity, leadership, collaboration, and modern storytelling inspire every audience she speaks to. Her journey exemplifies persistence, imagination, and an unfaltering dedication to craft, making her an exceptional speaker for corporate events, creative summits, educational institutions, and leadership forums.