In the vibrant world of Indian cinema, two remarkable women stand out for their creativity, resilience, and impact. Zoya Akhtar, the acclaimed filmmaker, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, the reigning queen of Bollywood, share a unique bond that transcends their professional achievements. Popularity gets paid, Not talent, says Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar’s filmography reads like a love letter to storytelling. From the gritty streets of Mumbai in Gully Boy to the luxury of a cruise ship in Dil Dhadakne Do, she weaves narratives that resonate with audiences. Her films are a celebration of life, relationships, and dreams. Zoya’s ability to capture raw emotions and present them on the silver screen is her superpower.
Kareena Kapoor Khan needs no introduction. Her journey from the girl-next-door in Refugee to the fierce Poo in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham has been awe-inspiring. Bebo, as she is fondly called, effortlessly transitions between diverse roles—be it the vulnerable Geet in Jab We Met or the regal Begum in Talaash. Her charisma, impeccable style, and dedication to her craft make her an icon.
The Zoya-Kareena Connection:
Zoya and Kareena’s paths crossed early in their careers. In a candid interview, Zoya revealed that Kareena once told her, “You won’t be a director.” The reason? A heated debate over the classic film Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge. Despite the clash, their mutual respect remained intact. Zoya’s admiration for Kareena’s talent and Kareena’s acknowledgment of Zoya’s vision created a lasting bond.
Kareena Kapoor Khan openly expressed her desire to work with Zoya Akhtar. She called Zoya the “one box that remains to be ticked” on her bucket list. Although opportunities arose, fate intervened. Yet, fans hope for a magical collaboration—a film that combines Kareena’s enigmatic presence with Zoya’s directorial finesse.
Popularity gets paid, Not talent, says Zoya Akhtar:
Zoya recently spoke about the Bollywood payment system. she said, ” Any male actor can say that I should get paid more than the female actor. And any female actor can say that I should get paid more than the male actor. But what the production team sees is, no matter how bad the story is, if keeping this actor’s face on the poster can make the 25cr or 15cr openings, Then It’s that actor that gets paid more.”
She further elaborated saying, ‘If there is a no known actress and the well known actor, no matter how good the actress is and how intense the role of actress is, the actor is paid more. same with the opposite case. But another thing is that, audience themselves have trust in actors but not actresses. They pay to watch a hero in the film, but if it’s a female led film, the audience are not willing to pay to watch them”.