When we think of Hindi cinema and its leading ladies, a gallery of iconic images floods the mind. Yet today, recognition isn’t solely for acting prowess; it extends to various roles. We now celebrate the contributions of women as writers, directors, producers, editors, lyricists, composers, choreographers, and other behind-the-scenes wizards, each leaving an indelible mark on memorable movies. These burgeoning luminaries of Indian cinema are reshaping its future from a new platform of influence.
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Zoya Akhtar
Zoya Akhtar’s journey spans over a decade of arduous struggle, punctuated by breaking barriers rooted in mainstream cinema’s gender biases. Despite facing obstacles, her determination led to a solid foundation within the industry. At 35, Zoya, the daughter of legendary writer, poet, and lyricist Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani, marked her directorial debut with “Luck By Chance.” Featuring her brother, Farhan Akhtar, in the lead role, the film remains a topic of fervent discussion among the youth. Subsequently, she made a diverse range of movies, including “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” “Dil Dhadakne Do,” “Bombay Talkies,” “Gully Boy,” “Lust Stories,” “Ghost Stories,” and “The Archies.
Meghna Gulzar
Despite being the daughter of Gulzar and actor Rakhee, Meghna Gulzar, a sociology graduate from Mumbai’s St. Xavier’s College, initially trod a path far removed from the cinematic arena. While pursuing her studies, acting offers tempted her, yet she gravitated towards other interests; during her school days, it was the piano and karate, while in college, she freelanced for The Times of India from 1989 to 1992—the decision to venture into filmmaking germinated later when she opted out of further studies. While the easiest route would have been to assist her father, Meghna chose a different path. Instead, she assisted filmmaker Saeed Mirza, contributing to several of his projects before embarking on her directorial journey. Her filmography portfolio includes titles like “Filhaal,” “Talvar,” “Just Married,” “Chhapaak,” “Raazi,” and “Sam Bahadur.”
Reema Katgi
Reema Kagti is a top talent in Indian cinema, showcasing her unique vision as an artist, screenwriter, and filmmaker. Her directorial debut, “Honeymoon Travels Private Limited” (2006), achieved immediate commercial success. She followed up with the neo-noir film “Talaash” (2012) and the historical sports drama “Gold” (2018), both lauded by audiences and critics. Not only a director, Reema has co-written screenplays for major hits like “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011), “Dil Dhadakne Do” (2015), and “Gully Boy” (2019), as well as the acclaimed series “Made in Heaven” (2019) for Amazon Prime Video. Her latest project, “Dahaad,” received widespread acclaim after its success at the Berlin International Film Festival in 2023.
Kausar Munir
At the IIFA Awards 2022, writer Kausar Munir clinched the Best Lyricist award for her song “Lehra Do” from the film “83”. The song garnered praise for its poignant lyrics. Despite coming from a family of writers, Munir’s transition to penning songs for Hindi cinema was remarkable. Initially a junior writer for the TV series “Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi”, she crossed paths with director Vijay Krishna Acharya, who entrusted her with a song for his directorial debut, “Tashan” (2008). This led to the creation of “Falak Tak,” a standout despite the film’s commercial failure. From then on, Munir’s career soared, delivering numerous hits like “Saiyaara” (Ek Tha Tiger), “Maana Ke Hum Yaar Nahi” (Meri Pyari Bindu), “Jhalla Wallah” (Ishaqzaade), and “Bande Hai Hum Uske” (Dhoom 3).
Sneha Khanwalkar
In a career spanning nearly two decades, 40-year-old Sneha Khanwalkar, renowned for her work as the composer for “Gangs of Wasseypur,” has been involved in projects that reshaped Hindi cinema and redefined storytelling. Her influence from 2008 to 2012 was profound. She crafted music for notable films like the comedic “Oye Lucky! Lucky Oye!” and the experimental “LSD,” both by Dibakar Banerjee, as well as Anurag Kashyap’s groundbreaking epic “Gangs of Wasseypur.” The combined cultural impact of these albums, including both parts of “Wasseypur,” surpasses what many music directors achieve in their entire careers. For Sneha, however, this was just the beginning.
Sneha brings an avant-garde approach to electronic music, seamlessly blending it with the rawness of folk songs. Raised in Indore amidst a household of Hindustani classical musicians, she absorbed a penchant for strong melodies and a fondness for folk while challenging traditionalism.
In the kaleidoscope of Indian cinema, amidst the glitz, glamour, and larger-than-life narratives, lies a treasure trove of stories waiting to be told. Behind the Silver Screen, away from the spotlight, these women have silently but powerfully moulded the essence of modern Indian cinema. Their contributions, often overshadowed by the towering presence of their male counterparts, are nothing short of revolutionary.
