Zoya Akhtar, the renowned Indian filmmaker, recently made waves with her latest directorial venture, The Archies. This coming-of-age period drama features the talented newcomers Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, and Khushi Kapoor, among others. As the movie gained popularity, questions arose about whether Zoya had sought the help of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan to motivate his daughter Suhana during filming. Zoya addressed these questions in a recent interview, shedding light on her thoughts about collaborating with Shah Rukh and her approach to mentoring young actors.
Zoya Akhtar’s Journey with Shah Rukh Khan
Zoya Akhtar’s directorial debut in 2009, Luck By Chance, featured a special appearance by Shah Rukh Khan himself. Many wondered if Zoya had written Shah Rukh’s dialogue in the film specifically with him in mind. When questioned about it, Zoya revealed, “I think you also see it with him. I think he’s quite rooted, his old friends, you know, the people that gave him a break, the people that stood by him, he stands by. I think, you know, it’s just that guy, so it just came with him.” This showcases the depth of Shah Rukh Khan’s character and his commitment to those who supported him in his journey.
Did Shah Rukh Khan ‘Pep Talk’ Suhana Khan?
One might assume that Zoya Akhtar would have called in Shah Rukh Khan to give a motivational chat to the young actors, including Suhana Khan, while shooting The Archies. However, Zoya firmly stated, “No, I wouldn’t. I mean, no, because I’ve worked with newcomers. I’ve worked with Siddhant Chaturvedi, I’ve worked with various newcomers. You don’t call in someone and say, ‘Give them a pep talk.’ You just don’t do that.” She stressed that it is her responsibility as a director to guide and inspire the newcomers, and she takes this role very seriously.
Zoya Akhtar’s Approach to Mentoring Newcomers
Zoya Akhtar firmly believes in her role as a mentor to young actors, irrespective of their backgrounds. Having worked with Siddhant Chaturvedi and other newcomers, she understands the importance of guiding and nurturing talent. Zoya highlighted, “No, that’s my job. I can’t give my job to someone else. That’s what I’m meant to do.” This statement reflects her dedication and commitment to helping new actors grow and succeed in the industry.
The Archies: Zoya Akhtar’s Directorial Venture
The Archies was a highly anticipated movie adaptation of the famous American comic book series. Zoya Akhtar, along with Reema Kagti and Ayesha DeVitre Dhillon, has crafted the screenplay for this exciting project. The movie was released exclusively on Netflix and received mixed reviews. While some people perceived ‘The Archies’ as a new age film, others criticized it for being too “western” as a concept. The film launched some of the star kids like Agastya Nanda, Suhana Khan, Khushi Kapoor, and other promising newcomers. The actors also received mixed responses. Some people adored ‘The Archies’ gang while others felt they needed to go to an acting school. Zoya’s directorial prowess and her ability to bring out the best in her actors make her the perfect choice to helm this unique coming-of-age drama.
Read also: Amitabh Bachchan’s Heartwarming Note for Grandson’s Debut – (jay-ho.com)
Conclusion
Zoya Akhtar’s collaboration with Shah Rukh Khan in Luck By Chance and her subsequent work with talented newcomers in The Archies highlight her expertise and versatility as a filmmaker. While some may have expected her to seek Shah Rukh’s intervention to motivate Suhana Khan during filming, Zoya firmly believes in her role as a mentor and director. With her guidance, young actors can flourish and showcase their talent on the big screen. Zoya Akhtar’s commitment to nurturing fresh talent is commendable, and her work in the industry continues to inspire and entertain audiences worldwide.
