Bollywood’s beloved star Katrina Kaif took to Instagram to shower love on filmmaker Zoya Akhtar, affectionately calling her ‘Zo Zo’. Sharing a charming picture of Zoya, Katrina wrote, “Happiest birthday Zo Zo to our secret angel... trailblazer and dynamo. Wishing you only the bestest things this year.” The warm message quickly caught the attention of fans who adored seeing the bond between two powerhouse women of Indian cinema.
Katrina and Zoya share a special connection that goes beyond their professional collaborations. They worked together on the 2011 cult classic Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, a coming-of-age masterpiece that redefined friendship and self-discovery for an entire generation. The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Abhay Deol, and Kalki Koechlin, took audiences on a soul-stirring road trip through the stunning landscapes of Spain—complete with adventures like skydiving, the running of the bulls, and scuba diving that symbolized deeper emotional journeys.
Katrina’s character, Laila, remains one of the most adored roles of her career—a free-spirited diving instructor whose calm wisdom and zest for life helped Arjun (played by Hrithik Roshan) break free from his fears. Much of that balance between glamour and depth has Zoya Akhtar’s directorial brilliance written all over it. It’s no wonder Katrina refers to Zoya with the affectionate nickname ‘Zo Zo’, acknowledging the filmmaker’s quiet strength and creative magic.
Zoya Akhtar, the daughter of veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar and screenwriter Honey Irani, has built a remarkable filmography that blends heart and intelligence. From Luck By Chance and Dil Dhadakne Do to Gully Boy and The Archies, her films resonate with realism, nuance, and soul—the hallmarks of a creator who captures urban India like no other.
As Zoya celebrates another year around the sun, Katrina’s birthday wish feels like more than just a greeting—it’s a recognition of the filmmaker’s impact on modern Indian storytelling. For fans, it’s also a nostalgic reminder of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’s timeless message: you only live once, so live it fully, meaningfully, and maybe, with a friend like ‘Zo Zo’ cheering you on.