Zoya Akhtar has directed eight films throughout her nearly two-decade-long career. On her birthday today, we take a look at some of the most memorable characters in her films that have stayed with the audience long after its release
Updated On: 2025-10-14 02:32 PM IST
Compiled by : Athulya Nambiar
Murad Ahmed (Ranveer Singh) in Gully Boy (2019)
The underdog rapper from Dharavi whose raw talent and suppressed rage make him a symbol of voice and rebellion — arguably Zoya’s most iconic creation
Safeena Firdausi (Alia Bhatt) in Gully Boy
Murad’s fiery, possessive girlfriend whose intensity, loyalty, and emotional outbursts stole the show. Though limited screentime, Alia shone with her performance in this fiesty role
Moeen (Vijay Varma) in Gully Boy
The morally ambiguous friend — both loyal and destructive — representing the harsh realities of Murad’s world
MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi) in Gully Boy
The charismatic mentor who believes in Murad’s potential and inspires him to rise. Siddhant stood out with his fierce screen presence and was one of the most talked about characters
Ayesha Mehra (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) in Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)
The ambitious daughter fighting for respect in a patriarchal family — poised, graceful, and quietly defiant
Kabir Mehra (Ranveer Singh) in Dil Dhadakne Do
The free-spirited son who rebels against family hypocrisy, balancing vulnerability and charm
Kamal & Neelam Mehra (Anil Kapoor & Shefali Shah) in Dil Dhadakne Do
A power couple masking their dysfunctional marriage behind luxury and social standing — painfully real and brilliantly performed
Kabir Dewan (Abhay Deol) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)
The practical yet emotionally repressed groom-to-be who learns to confront his fears and redefine success and happiness
Imraan Qureshi (Farhan Akhtar) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
A poet with hidden pain and humour, Imraan’s emotional journey and poetic monologues (“Toh Zinda Ho Tum...”) made him unforgettable
Arjun Saluja (Hrithik Roshan) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
The workaholic who discovers life beyond deadlines — his underwater diving scene remains one of Zoya’s most moving visual metaphors
Laila (Katrina Kaif) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
The free-spirited diving instructor who inspires Arjun to embrace life and love
Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) in Luck By Chance (2009)
The outsider who navigates ambition and compromise in the film industry — a nuanced take on fame and self-worth.
