November 2023

Jaideep Sahni Writer Jaideep Sahni is an Indian screenwriter, songwriter, and creative producer known for his work in Hindi cinema. He has written the screenplays for several notable films, including “Chak De! India,” “Khosla Ka Ghosla,” “Company,” “Bunty Aur Babli,” “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year,” and “Shuddh Desi Romance.”   Sahni has received recognition and awards for his writing. He won the Filmfare Award for Best Dialogue and Best Story for the film “Company” (2002) and the Filmfare Award for Best Screenplay for “Khosla Ka Ghosla” (2006). He also won the IIFA Award for Best Story for “Chak De! India” (2007).   Born and raised in New Delhi, Sahni studied at the Guru Nanak Dev Engineering College in Bidar. He initially worked as a computer engineer and was employed at NIIT. However, his passion for writing led him to pursue a career in screenwriting and songwriting.   Sahni’s journey as a writer began with his work as a lyricist after jam sessions with Palash Sen. He then discovered the screenplay for the film “Gandhi” in a bookstore in Delhi, which inspired him to start writing screenplays at the age of 27. He wrote both the screenplay and lyrics for the film “Jungle” (2000), directed by Ram Gopal Verma. His collaboration with Verma continued with the critically acclaimed film “Company” (2002), which received multiple nominations and awards.   Sahni has also worked with director Dibakar Banerjee on the film “Khosla Ka Ghosla.” He has had a long association with Yash Raj Films, starting with the successful film “Bunty Aur Babli” (2005), directed by Shaad Ali. He went on to write the screenplay for “Chak De! India” (2007), directed by Shimit Amin, which starred Shah Rukh Khan and was inspired by the real-life story of Maharaj Krishan Kaushik. Sahni also contributed to the screenplay of “Aaja Nachle” (2007) and “Rocket Singh: Salesman of the Year” (2009), both directed by Shimit Amin. Enquiry Form

Zoya Akhtar Writer Zoya Akhtar is a renowned Indian film director and screenwriter known for her unique storytelling style, visual flair, and compelling narratives. With her ability to create thought-provoking cinema and her exploration of complex human emotions, Akhtar has made a significant impact on the Indian film industry. Born on October 14, 1972, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Zoya Akhtar comes from a family with deep roots in the Indian film industry. Her father is the renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar, and her brother is the acclaimed film director and actor Farhan Akhtar.   Growing up in this creative environment, Akhtar developed a passion for storytelling from an early age. Akhtar made her directorial debut with the critically acclaimed film “Luck By Chance” in 2009. The film, which explores the highs and lows of the Hindi film industry, showcased Akhtar’s ability to create engaging narratives and draw realistic performances from her actors. It received widespread praise for its authentic portrayal of the industry and its satirical take on fame and success. She further cemented her reputation as a director with the films “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara” (2011) and “Dil Dhadakne Do” (2015). These films delved into complex themes such as friendship, love, and family dynamics, while also showcasing Akhtar’s visual storytelling skills. Her films are known for their stunning cinematography, vibrant locations, and the ability to capture the essence of contemporary Indian society.  Enquiry Form

Chetan Bhagat Writer Chetan Bhagat is a prominent Indian author, columnist, and YouTuber. He gained widespread recognition for his works and has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential people by Time magazine in 2010. Several of his novels have also been adapted into films. Bhagat was raised in a traditional Punjabi Hindu family. His father served as a lieutenant colonel in the Indian Army, while his mother worked as a scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute in New Delhi. He attended the Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, during his schooling years. Despite considering himself an average student at the age of 15, Bhagat discovered his passion for writing during this time. He started writing articles for his school’s literary magazine, and seeing his name published as a writer brought him immense joy and motivated him to continue writing.   He pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, graduating in 1995 with a remarkable academic record. Subsequently, Bhagat enrolled in the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA), where he completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in marketing in 1997. His achievements in the field of art and entertainment were recognized by IIMA in June 2018 when he was honored with the “Young Alumni Achiever’s Award 2018.”   Chetan Bhagat’s career as an author has been highly successful, with his novels resonating with a wide readership. Some of his notable works include “Five Point Someone,” “One Night @ the Call Center,” “The 3 Mistakes of My Life,” “2 States,” and “Half Girlfriend.” These novels explore various themes, including relationships, youth culture, and societal issues, and have garnered both commercial success and critical acclaim. Bhagat’s writing style, which often incorporates a mix of humor and relatable storytelling, has made him a popular figure among readers in India and beyond.   In addition to his writing career, Chetan Bhagat is known for his columns, where he offers opinions on diverse subjects, including politics, youth, and social issues. He has also ventured into the digital space and has a significant presence on YouTube, where he shares videos on various topics, including motivational content and his thoughts on current events. Enquiry Form