Quotes from Zoya Akhtar

So at 19, I faced my first blank page as a professional writer.

I have learnt not to ignore instincts. While making a film, when your gut feels that you are going wrong, please take that seriously.

Freedom is a sentiment associated with the youth. It is rebellion. It is what you feel at that age, and it is very important.

Every time we have a woman on-screen, we can empower her in a different way rather than just giving a speech on the importance of equality and empowerment. I think sometimes we have to show her as powerful.

I had the best shooting experience in Dharavi. People are so cooperative and busy with their work that they don't have time to be star struck.

At 19, while studying at St Xavier's College and majoring in literature and sociology, I got my first job as a copywriter. It was at a company called the Script Shop.