‘Would Like To See Change In Showbiz Fee Structure’ Says Zoya Akhtar

Zoya Akhtar’s movies go deep into real life issues of urban lifestyle. That’s because she feels it’s important to be aware of what you want the world to be like and put it across through your films. She also says the fee structure in the entertainment industry needs to change as technicians don’t get paid enough.

“The one thing is fee structure. I think actors get paid a lot and technicians don’t get paid enough and I think that it should change because a good film, which is like a complete package, needs every single member of that team. I think we need to pay them more,” Zoya said over an email when asked about one thing she wishes to change in the entertainment industry.

She was talking on the sidelines of the announcement of “Tape Cast”, a content series presented by Grey Goose that manifests brand’s philosophy of celebrating life through moments big and small that define the journey of life.

Curated in collaboration with Anupama Chopra, the web series unravels the working of two great minds through an off-script conversation. Each episode opens on a philosophical inquiry, from money to love, to life - questions that trouble everyone.

Talking about the troubles, what are the questions that make Zoya Akhtar think? And how can the film industry and filmmakers like her can contribute in bringing about that change?

“As film makers or any artiste that put work out there, what you are doing on your level is that you are putting consciousness out into the world. So when you look around you and you see things that bother you and disturb you or you want to give it another perspective or you want to look at something from another angle, you have that opportunity and platform to do so.

“So, I think people who are aware and I don’t mean you have to make socially relevant films and have a message in each film. Even if it’s a completely entertaining film, your politics will come out... So I think you should just be aware of what you want the world to be like and somewhere put it through your films.”

The daughter of veteran film writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar, Zoya has directed movies such as “Luck by Chance”, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara”) and “Sheila Ki Jawani”, a segment of “Bombay Talkies”. She has co-written “Talaash” and went on to direct “Dil Dhadakne Do”, a film based on a dysfunctional Punjabi family.

Her forthcoming project is “Gully Boy”, starring Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt. It explores the world of street rappers. (IANS)

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