Zoya Akhtar reacts to people abusing her for making films for the rich: ‘The same people are telling me to remake ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’

Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar recently responded to criticism suggesting that her movies primarily depict the lives of the affluent. In a recent conversation, Zoya was asked about the perception that films like ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara‘ and ‘Dil Dhadakne Do’ feel distant from the realities of the common audience. She noted that the same individuals who accused her of making films for wealthy people often ask for a sequel to ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’.
In an interview with India Today, Zoya remained unfazed by the criticism, reaffirming her commitment to storytelling. She added that people can say anything, but she is confident that she has made all kinds of films in her career. She cited ‘Luck By Chance’ and ‘Lust Stories’ as examples to prove that she has explored different kinds of narratives.
She faced criticism for launching star kids like Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson), Khushi Kapoor (Sridevi’s daughter), and Suhana Khan (Shah Rukh Khan‘s daughter), along with Vedang Raina, Mihir Ahuja, Aditi “Dot” Saigal, and Yuvraj Menda in ‘The Archies‘ in 2023. She was also trolled for their comparatively poor performance by a certain group of audiences.

She admitted she often finds these reactions perplexing. While addressing the ‘rich’ and ‘star kid’ criticism, Zoya said , “But the only thing that people keep telling me to remake after criticising me is ZNMD. I am very confused”. “Do you want privilege, or do you not want privilege? Give me a straight answer. I am very confused. Just like the film or don’t. Why do you care so much about anything else?” she concluded.

‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’, released in 2011, stars an ensemble cast of Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif, and Kalki Koechlin.
Meanwhile, her upcoming production, ‘Superboys of Malegaon’, helmed by Reema Kagti, is an adaptation of the acclaimed documentary of the same name. Set to release on February 28, the film stars Adarsh Gourav, Viineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora in pivotal roles.