SPECIAL
FEATURE
ZOYA AKHTAR
Whatever that little story is,
it should be about something
and it should say something.
So whether it is a small or a big
issue, it’s important for me that
my stories mean something.
Would you be willing to
direct a movie raising
women concerns or rather
reflecting them empowered?
Dil Dhadakne Do had that and
the point is that it doesn’t have
to be only one woman in the
movie. Also, I think through
whatever movies I make the
concern is there. My female
characters are extremely strong
for a reason. It is my wall view,
it is how I feel about women
and it will come into any story I
tell. I am a film maker, my value
system will come out in my
work because I am well aware
of that, but at the same time I
want to make films on stories
I am excited to tell and within
that story you give your truths
out!
Also if a story excites me I will
do an entirely woman centric
movie. I am not going to do it
because I am a woman and I
should. I will do it if something
moves me to say it.
Zoya Akhtar’s directorial
presence on Indian Screen
talks volumes about
cinematography, details and
emotions.
That’s the fun of making movies!
It’s collaborative art. You have
a lot of people who are amazing
at what they do and they are all
there to get a vision out of you
and make that happen. That’s
the joy of making films. It’s
got art, music, sound, lighting,
dramatics, and dance.
Everything! In one art form. If
94
Up Till October 15, 2015
AL GRID
PERSON
What things fascinate you
the most when you travel?
It depends on where I go. I like
history, so if I go to places that
are slightly old civilizations,
I like to see their art and
architecture, museums. I will
see what kind of handicrafts
they make there. And I love
food! If I go to a new place
I will eat everything and try
everything.
What are your hobbies?
I like to read and travel. Also I
like music and watching films.
Best and the worst thing
about your job
The best thing about my job
is telling stories. I am a story
teller!
Also, I don’t feel like its
work. Though it is a lot of
hardwork, but it’s creating, so
it’s very fulfilling.
And the worst thing about
my job is that others don’t see
it as a job. People don’t let you
do your job. If you are shooting
on the street, people will just
get in there. They don’t realize
that it’s a lot of work and a lot
of money. People don’t treat it
as a hard earned profession.
my films are detailed, credit goes
to these people.
One thing you have to let go
off as a Director.
Impatience!
Because that can make you take
wrong decisions. You have got
to be patient with your crew,
your actors, be patient for the
light waiting for the sun and
everything else. You have to be
patient. You just have to get it
right and have to let go off that
chalta hai quality.
How is it being a celebrity
child? Has it been helpful or
pressuring in terms to match
up your family’s fame and
work?
We are very different as
individuals. We grew up with
other kids from films, but we had
a really broad based child hood.
It wasn’t always about movies.
We were exposed to a lot of
things and we travelled a lot.
Right now, I am very happy
that all my family members are
doing really good work.
Also I have three writers.
Every time I write a script I get a
feedback from three of the best
minds in the business.
A message from you
I think India is on a very
strange pace and it has
become intolerant of things
that are none of their business.
And those things that they
should care as a society, they
aren’t bothered about it.
I find it appalling. I think we
need to focus on priorities and
figure out what is important.
And what we need to change.