Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar believes writing should come from a place of personal conviction rather than market trends. Speaking at a special screenwriting workshop organised by Whistling Woods International in association with the Screenwriters Association of India (SWA), the acclaimed writer-director—known for films like Luck By Chance, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy—said she does not try to anticipate industry trends and instead focuses on stories that feel authentic to her.

Zoya Akhtar on the future of Indian cinema

The workshop, conducted by veteran writer Anjum Rajabali, featured a deep-dive masterclass with Zoya about her career, creative choices and writing process. When asked what the next five years for India might look like and what themes aspiring writers should explore, Zoya said she does not approach writing based on what the industry is currently seeking. However, she added that storytelling trends often move in cycles and suggested that love stories could make a comeback.