Zoya Akhtar

Based in Mumbai

Zoya Akhtar is one of India's most influential contemporary filmmakers, known for her ability to craft compelling, unconventional narratives that resonate globally. With a diverse portfolio spanning five feature films, three short films, and two web series, she has garnered six Filmfare Awards, an International Emmy nomination (Lust Stories, 2019), and a NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film (Gully Boy, 2019). Her work has premiered at prestigious festivals such as Cannes and Berlinale, with Gully Boy also becoming India’s official entry to the Oscars. She studied filmmaking at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and began her career assisting directors like Mira Nair and Dev Benegal before making her directorial debut with "Luck by Chance" (2009). The film, a satirical take on the Hindi film industry, received critical acclaim but moderate box office success.

Zoya’s directorial journey began with Luck By Chance (2009), followed by modern classics like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), and Gully Boy (2019). She has also made her mark in digital storytelling with acclaimed series such as Made in Heaven (2019) and Lust Stories (2018). Her most recent project, The Archies (2023), marked the first-ever cinematic adaptation of the beloved Archie Comics universe.

As the co-founder of Tiger Baby, Zoya has also made a mark as a producer, bringing to life projects like Eternally Confused and Eager for Love (2022), Dahaad (2023), and Kho Gaye Hum Kahan (2023). With her bold storytelling and fresh perspective, Zoya Akhtar continues to redefine contemporary cinema, inspiring audiences and creators alike. Social Media Handles: Instagram: @zoieakhtar Website: https://tigerbaby.in/