Zoya Akhtar is a well-known director, producer and screenwriter. She is the daughter of screenwriter, lyricist and poet, Javed Akhtar and actress and screenwriter, Honey Irani. She completed her diploma in filmmaking at New York University. Known for her films like Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Sobara and Gully Boy, the filmmaker has set her name in stone in the film industry. However, she has recently been making headlines, not for her work, but a post she shared on her social media.
Zoya Akhtar shared a cryptic post on Instagram
Zoya Akhtar has been making a buzz on the internet with a cryptic Instagram post. The post created a loop of conversation online, with some believing that it was more than just a quirky fashion statement or an inside joke. For the unversed, Zoya posted a close-up of a teddy bear wearing a t-shirt with the bold words, “INDUSTRY PEOPLE ARE SHADY” on May 25, 2025. The post was paired further with a cryptic caption which read:
“It’s A Sign.”
Ananya Panday, Bhumi Pednekar and Farah Khan react to Zoya Akhtar’s post
The post was soon flooded with several likes and comments. However, it was the some B-town ladies whose reactions caught our eye. The post was liked by none other than the Call Me Bae actress, Ananya Panday, The Royals star, Bhumi Pednekar and the Om Shanti Om filmmaker, Farah Khan.
Netizens react to the post
The post was thereafter shared on the discussion platform, Reddit, where fans began speculating whether the comment was a tongue-in-cheek jab at someone in the industry or perhaps a general commentary on the filmy world’s behind-the-scenes drama. A user penned, “You’re not shady, but you are a hypocrite after casting mediocre star kids and going against the very fabric of your debut film.” Another said, “Yehi khud hi problem ka hissa hai toh isse pata hai ki iska Epstein nahi hoga.” A comment read, “This shirt has more authenticity than half the industry.” Some users wondered if the post was an indirect jab at Karan Johar, as May 25 also marked his birthday.
Zoya Akhtar reveals she felt responsible for The Archies cast being bullied
Zoya Akhtar previously appeared on Komal Nahta’s podcast, Game Changer. During their conversation, the filmmaker spoke about the leading cast of her last film, The Archies, being trolled for their performance. She stated that the young actors were her responsibility, and she felt at fault for not getting their act right. She added that she felt bad about what they went through.
For the unversed, The Archies marked the acting debut of three of the most well-renowned stars’ kids. The film featured Amitabh Bachchan’s grandson, Agastya Nanda, Shah Rukh Khan’s daughter, Suhana Khan, and Sridevi’s younger daughter, Khushi Kapoor. The trio was put through some of the harshest criticism after the release of the film in 2023.
What are your thoughts on Zoya Akhtar’s cryptic post? Let us know.
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