From Imraan Qureshi to Kabir Mehra, the most memorable characters from Zoya Akhtar films

Updated On: 14 October, 2025 02:32 PM IST | Athulya Nambiar

Zoya Akhtar has directed eight films throughout her nearly two-decade-long career. On her birthday today, we take a look at some of the most memorable characters in her films that have stayed with the audience long after its release

1/13

From L-R: Still from ZNMD, Zoya Akhtar, Still from Dil Dhadakne Do

2/13

Murad Ahmed (Ranveer Singh) in Gully Boy (2019)

The underdog rapper from Dharavi whose raw talent and suppressed rage make him a symbol of voice and rebellion — arguably Zoya’s most iconic creation

3/13

Safeena Firdausi (Alia Bhatt) in Gully Boy

Murad’s fiery, possessive girlfriend whose intensity, loyalty, and emotional outbursts stole the show. Though limited screentime, Alia shone with her performance in this fiesty role

4/13

Moeen (Vijay Varma) in Gully Boy

The morally ambiguous friend — both loyal and destructive — representing the harsh realities of Murad’s world

5/13

MC Sher (Siddhant Chaturvedi) in Gully Boy

The charismatic mentor who believes in Murad’s potential and inspires him to rise. Siddhant stood out with his fierce screen presence and was one of the most talked about characters

6/13

Ayesha Mehra (Priyanka Chopra Jonas) in Dil Dhadakne Do (2015)

The ambitious daughter fighting for respect in a patriarchal family — poised, graceful, and quietly defiant

7/13

Kabir Mehra (Ranveer Singh) in Dil Dhadakne Do

The free-spirited son who rebels against family hypocrisy, balancing vulnerability and charm

8/13

Kamal & Neelam Mehra (Anil Kapoor & Shefali Shah) in Dil Dhadakne Do

A power couple masking their dysfunctional marriage behind luxury and social standing — painfully real and brilliantly performed

9/13

Kabir Dewan (Abhay Deol) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011)

The practical yet emotionally repressed groom-to-be who learns to confront his fears and redefine success and happiness

10/13

Imraan Qureshi (Farhan Akhtar) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

A poet with hidden pain and humour, Imraan’s emotional journey and poetic monologues (“Toh Zinda Ho Tum...”) made him unforgettable

11/13

Arjun Saluja (Hrithik Roshan) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

The workaholic who discovers life beyond deadlines — his underwater diving scene remains one of Zoya’s most moving visual metaphors

12/13

Laila (Katrina Kaif) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

The free-spirited diving instructor who inspires Arjun to embrace life and love

13/13

Vikram Jaisingh (Farhan Akhtar) in Luck By Chance (2009)

The outsider who navigates ambition and compromise in the film industry — a nuanced take on fame and self-worth.

Photo of Day

Global AI leaders join PM Modi in a bid to push for a smarter, inclusive future

PM Narendra Modi joins hands with Google CEO Sundar Pichai, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and others during the India AI Impact Summit 2026, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

Home / Entertainment / Bollywood News / Photos / From Imraan Qureshi to Kabir Mehra, the most memorable characters from Zoya Akhtar films

From Imraan Qureshi to Kabir Mehra, the most memorable characters from Zoya Akhtar films

Tags

Photo of Day

Global AI leaders join PM Modi in a bid to push for a smarter, inclusive future