Luck By Chance to Gully Boy: Zoya Akhtar's best creations

It's Zoya Akhtar's birthday and that's enough reason for us to revisit her best creations. We're focussing on films and shows that Zoya has both written and directed and leaving out gems like Talaash (which she co-wrote with Reema Kagti) and Bombay Talkies (where she directed a segment). There are some sublime movies on this list. Read on...

Zoya's debut film, Luck By Chance was long in the making. Despite the extended time it took to stage the film and get it recast and made, it turned out to be a cinematic gem. It was Farhan Akhtar's second outing after Rock On!! and he had a point to prove as well. Nevertheless, Zoya managed to give a sneak peak into the world of movies and performance arts with a finesse that just got better with her subsequent films.

With 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara', Zoya touched the deep emotions of an entire generation, while giving them a fresh perspective thanks to the new age content and treatment of the film. Bringing the ensemble star cast of Hrithik Roshan, Abhay Deol, Farhan Akhtar, Katrina Kaif and Kalki Koechlin, Zoya became an icon for young Indian audiences.

Dil Dhadakne Do was the family dramedy we didn't know we needed. Bringing a modern family drama, Zoya brought an interesting story of family emotions with a touch of a modern approach. Starring Anil Kapoor, Shefali Shah, Priyanka Chopra, Ranveer Singh, Anushka Sharma, and Farhan Akhtar in the lead, the this movie took the concept of ensemble cast to the next level.

Gully Boy showcased a one-of-a-kind story based on a rapper. For the Indian audience it was the concept that should have been, but was never explored before. Bringing an amazing musical wonder, Zoya explored the underground gully rap culture which exposed the family audience to a whole new and different kind of modern music. Did we mention Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt were the best part of this blitz.

With Made in Heaven, creators Zoya and Reema truly went on to capture the attention of the urban masses. It turned out to be a unique web series that brought out both the middle class as well as affluent class' perspectives on marriage. As with every Zoya creation, the actors Arjun Mathur and Sobhita Dhulipala gave the performances of their careers.