Filmmaker Zoya Akhtar has set the internet abuzz with a mysterious Instagram post that many believe could be more than just a playful fashion statement or a private jest. The post showcases a close-up of a teddy bear donning a t-shirt emblazoned with the striking phrase: "INDUSTRY PEOPLE ARE SHADY," accompanied by her caption: "It's A Sign."
The post, which garnered likes from celebrities such as Ananya Panday, Bhumi Pednekar, and Farah Khan, was swiftly picked up by Reddit threads, where fans started speculating whether the remark was a lighthearted dig at someone in the industry, or perhaps a broader reflection on the film world's behind-the-scenes intrigue.
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A post shared by Zoya Akhtar (@zoieakhtar)
Zoya, daughter of iconic lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar and sister of actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, is celebrated for her nuanced storytelling in films like Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara and Gully Boy, among others. Was it merely a playful joke, a quirky tee on a teddy bear that tickled her fancy, or is there something more simmering behind the scenes in Bollywood? For now, fans are dissecting every possible interpretation on Reddit. "This shirt has more authenticity than half the industry," read one comment. Another stated, "You're not shady but you are a hypocrite after casting mediocre star kids and going against the very fabric of your debut film."
Arey kehna kyaa chahti ho?
byu/Even_Highway_3205 inBollyBlindsNGossip
Not long ago, Zoya Akhtar addressed the online bullying faced by the young actors of her film The Archies. On Komal Nahta's Game Changers podcast, she took accountability for the backlash and stated it was her duty to support the actors. She also expressed regret for the harsh criticism they endured. The Archies marked the acting debut of three star kids: Agastya Nanda (Amitabh Bachchan's grandson), Suhana Khan (Shah Rukh Khan's daughter), and Khushi Kapoor (late Sridevi's younger daughter). Following the movie's release in 2023, all three faced significant online criticism.
When asked if audiences are overly critical of newcomers, Zoya remarked, "I think the audience is harsh with certain newcomers, not with all newcomers." Zoya's most recent production was Superboys of Malegaon.
See Also: Ananya Panday Calls Herself A 'Dharma Kid'; Says In 2000s Films 'Women Were Shown To Be More Real'