ZOYA AKHTAR

Zoya Akhtar, born on 14 October 1972 in Mumbai, is the daughter of iconic lyricist Javed Akhtar and actress-author Honey Irani. She is one of the most critically acclaimed directors in contemporary Bollywood, known for films that combine visual beauty with emotional depth.

Her directorial debut Luck By Chance gave way to the sublime Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara — a travel-drama that redefined how Bollywood told friendship stories. Dil Dhadakne Do followed, an incisive family comedy that spoke to upper-class anxieties with surprising honesty.

Her National Award-winning Gully Boy (2019) brought Mumbai's underground hip-hop scene to mainstream consciousness and represented India at the Academy Awards. She has also directed episodes of international anthologies like Lust Stories.