Zoya Akhtar - Photo courtesy of Rediff

Zoya Akhtar’s film ‘Luck By Chance’ was hailed as the “best debut of the decade” by film critics and movie enthusiasts alike. The Museum of Modern Art in NYC has chosen to showcase it as part of their upcoming film exhibit ‘The New India’. ‘Luck By Chance’ is a poignant and intimate look at personal relationships within the glitzy world of the Bombay film industry. But it is also a charmingly funny film filled with inside jokes and cameos by some of the best-known players of the Bollywood game. 

For those yet unfamiliar with filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, she is part of a cinematic dynasty. Her father Javed Akhtar is a screenwriter, author, poet and director, her mom Honey Irani is a filmmaker and writer, while brother Farhan Akhtar is a director, actor and producer. Yet Zoya’s work remains refreshingly free of the angst to prove oneself that is typically associated with someone following in such impressive footsteps. 

So grab a comfy seat, get yourself some fragrant chai and enjoy this exclusive interview with the woman responsible for changing the future of Indian cinema. 

CHIC TODAY: ‘Luck By Chance’ is a candid and poignant look at the behind-the-scenes of Bollywood, the world you grew up in and around. Instead of shying away from such a topic, you delved right in and made a fantastic film which is every cinema lover’s dream. Can you talk about the film and what inspired you to write about this?

ZOYA AKHTAR: I think first films are always personal. Especially if you are writing yourself, you tend to write what you know. I know the film industry inside out but am still surprised and fascinated with its workings. I grew up realising that most people here are incredibly insecure and fragile as they let the industry, the audience and the press tell them how good or bad they are. There is no sense of self left and no sense of individual achievement. Success and failure are defined by everyone around and that is a frightening idea to me. I wanted to write a story that spoke to that, something that took you through the madness but at the end of the day made you look inside and define your life for yourself.

CT: ‘LBC’ was marketed using a unique ad campaign, which included painting Bombay trains and offering free rides in specially designed rickshaws. There is even a humorous horoscope on the website for the film, titled ‘Future By Chance’. What sparked the campaign?

ZA: We wanted to use the ‘by chance’ phrase as it’s pure Bombay street lingo. The rest was just created along the way by Karthik [Ramachandran], my creative designer.

CT: And how involved were you in the scrumptious costumes? 

ZA: I was very involved in the costumes. I love clothes but they need to be real. I don’t like the idea of everyone being ‘pretty in Prada’. I had two amazingly talented designers – Arjun Bhasin and Aparna Chandra; they took my ideas to another level.

CT: I found out that I can add lyrics writer — for ‘Bride & Prejudice’ — to your already impressive resumé as director, writer, casting director, producer and actress. Would you choose to write lyrics again and what drew you to that project?

ZA: I would certainly write lyrics again. I only write in English though. What drew me to B&P was Gurinder [Chadha, the director]. I loved her films and she is a serious laugh to be around. I wanted to work with her. 

CT: ‘Luck By Chance’, ‘Kismat Talkies’ — the title of your next film… Do you believe in destiny or in creating your own luck?

ZA: I believe in creating my own luck but I keep observing destiny at work so I am a bit confused on this one.

CT: What is your favorite aspect of filmmaking? And your least favorite?

ZA: I love movies – I am a film geek so the fact that I can make them is the best thing. What I hate is you have to deal with too many people and everyone is a star in their own head. 

CT: Best friend or adoring boyfriend?

ZA: Depends on the occasion.

CT: Favorite spot on earth for creating and getting away from it all?

ZA: Goa.

CT: Currently on your IPod?

ZA: About 4900 songs…

CT: What book is on your nightstand?

ZA: I am currently reading ‘The Night Watch’ by Sarah Waters.

CT: The journey or the destination?

ZA: Both have their thrills.