Zoya Akhtar, the first Director from India was invited to “The Daily Show” with host Kal Penn, on 12th December 2023 Tuesday. She discussed her new Netflix project, The Archies. She shared her inspiration for bringing the beloved world of Archies to Indian viewers and underscored the significance of fostering diversity in film. She also talked about how she worked with her brother and father and praised the Indian Paparazzi.
About Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar, a renowned Indian filmmaker, was born on October 14, 1972, to Javed Akhtar and Honey Irani. She honed her skills at NYU before stepping into the world of cinema. Her directorial debut, “Luck by Chance,” paved the way for her success, which was cemented with “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.” Her diverse portfolio includes films like “Dil Dhadakne Do,” “Gully Boy,” and the Netflix adaptation “The Archies.” She also made her mark in the OTT space with “Made in Heaven” and “Dahaad.” Alongside Reema Kagti, she founded Tiger Baby Films and serves on the board of the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image.
Zoya Akhtar about her new movie “The Archies “
Zoya reminisced about the unique bond between the essentially American Archies universe and its impact on the lives of urban Indian children in the 80s. She recalled her own 80s childhood, a time when exposure to global culture was limited. Yet, Archies comics broke through these barriers, offering a universal experience that transported many to the intriguing teenage life in the fictional town of Riverdale.
Zoya remarked, “It’s fascinating how something so quintessentially American was also an integral part of an Indian urban child’s upbringing. Archies was one of the few universally read materials, serving as a gateway to this foreign land.”
As she delved deeper into her decision to adapt ‘The Archies’ for an international audience, Zoya underscored the nostalgic allure and the longing for a simpler time. She expressed her appreciation for Netflix’s efforts to globalize the Indian film industry, making ‘The Archies’ an irresistible project. Zoya stated, “I simply couldn’t decline. It felt like a journey back to a time when less was indeed more.”
Zoya Akhtar mentioned about LGBT (LGBTQIA+) community.
On the topic of inclusivity, Kal Penn appreciated Zoya’s intent to weave the LGBT (LGBTQIA+) community into ‘The Archies’ narrative. Zoya recognized India’s dynamic LGBT community and the progressive changes that have occurred since the decriminalization of homosexuality in 2018. She stressed the fluidity of societal norms and the power of storytelling and filmmaking in cultivating empathy and understanding.
About ‘The Archies’
Zoya Akhtar, the director of ‘The Archies’, was recently a guest on The Daily Show. Her film, which premiered on Netflix on December 7, carries a strong inclusivity theme, particularly through the characters of Dilton and Reggie.
Host Kal Penn and Zoya Akhtar praised Indian paparazzi
During her appearance on The Daily Show, Zoya Akhtar expressed her appreciation for the Indian paparazzi. Host Kal Penn mentioned his positive experiences with them during his visits to India. Recounting a personal experience, Zoya shared, “I once tripped at an event and requested them not to publish those pictures. They assured me they wouldn’t, and they kept their word. They’re truly considerate.” This incident highlights the respectful nature of the Indian paparazzi, according to Zoya.
Zoya Akhtar talks about the Akhtar family working together, also for ‘The Archies’
Zoya Akhtar, in her filmmaking journey, has frequently teamed up with her father, Javed Akhtar, and brother, Farhan Akhtar. Reflecting on this collaboration, she shared, “This is the fifth film they’ve been involved in. It’s a safe yet risky space because it’s candid, so you’re bound to hear the truth. However, this honesty can sometimes spark disagreements, even leading to dinner table disputes.”
In ‘The Archies’, Farhan Akhtar contributed by penning the Hindi dialogues, while Javed Akhtar lent his lyrical prowess to several songs, including ‘Va Va Voom’, ‘Sunoh’, and ‘Everything is Politics’.
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