
Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar - critically acclaimed director of Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy
Excels in engaging audiences through motivational talks on creativity and storytelling.
Nisha Reddy
HospitalityWatch Zoya Akhtar Deliver Impactful Motivational Sessions




mumbai
english
10+ years
women-in-leadership, alternate thinking, creativity, diversity & inclusion, breaking barriers
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.
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.
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Contact booking manager to hire Zoya Akhtar for the event at +91-8044186906 | activities@engage4more.com
Career Highlights and Achievements of Zoya Akhtar
Film Director & Screenwriter
Known for unique vision in films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do & Gully Boy
Filmfare award Winner
Recipient of multiple Filmfare award recognizing her excellence in direction
IIFA award
Honored at the International Indian Film Academy award
International achievement
Featured in global film festivals and prestigious international magazines
Contemporary Storytelling
Challenges traditional norms of Indian cinema
Cultural Influence
Recognized for shaping modern Indian cinema & influencing contemporary filmmakers
Box Office Success
Films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara & Gully Boy achieved both critical acclaim & commercial success
award & Nominations
Multiple nominations and wins across national and international platforms
Legacy in Cinema
Her stories, direction, and production have left a lasting mark on Indian cinema
Why Zoya Akhtar ?
Snapshots of Zoya Akhtar
Showcasing some prominent images and videos of Zoya Akhtar including our previous events and other endeavors.

Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar - critically acclaimed director of Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy
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FAQs
Zoya Akhtar is one of India's most acclaimed film directors and writers, known for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Gully Boy and the series Made in Heaven. engage4more lists her for corporate keynotes on creativity.
The director's name is spelt Zoya Akhtar, though people often search Joya Akhtar, Zoya Akthar, Zoya Aktar or Zoya Akhter. engage4more lists her under the correct spelling, and every booking enquiry reaches the same team.
Director Zoya Akhtar debuted with Luck by Chance and went on to make Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Dil Dhadakne Do, Gully Boy and The Archies, and co-created Made in Heaven. engage4more books her for talks on storytelling.
Zoya Akhtar has won several Filmfare Awards for direction and writing, and her film Gully Boy was India's official entry to the Oscars. engage4more books her to share the creative choices behind this acclaimed body of work.
Tiger Baby Films is the production company Zoya Akhtar co-founded with writer-director Reema Kagti, behind projects such as Made in Heaven. engage4more books her for talks on building a creative venture and collaborative partnerships.
Zoya Akhtar is the daughter of writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani, and the sister of actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar. engage4more books her for talks on forging an independent creative identity.
Through engage4more, Zoya Akhtar speaks on creative risk-taking, authentic storytelling, breaking stereotypes, women in leadership and building a career in a competitive industry. Her sessions suit leadership forums and Women's Day events.
To book Zoya Akhtar, share your event date, city, format and audience size with engage4more through the enquiry form, activities@engage4more.com or +91-8044186906. The team checks her availability and sends a customised quote.
No, engage4more is not Zoya Akhtar's manager or exclusive representative. engage4more lists her profile and facilitates corporate bookings by coordinating with her team on availability, format and fees for your event.
Zoya Akhtar's fee for events booked through engage4more depends on format, duration, city and her production schedule. engage4more shares a transparent, event-specific quote once you submit your requirements through the enquiry form or by phone.
जोया अख्तर भारत की प्रसिद्ध फिल्म निर्देशक और लेखिका हैं, जो ज़िंदगी ना मिलेगी दोबारा, गली बॉय और मेड इन हेवन के लिए जानी जाती हैं। कॉर्पोरेट कार्यक्रमों के लिए engage4more से संपर्क करें।
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