Mumbai’s film circles are buzzing with nostalgia as director Zoya Akhtar revisits the milestone of her debut film ‘Luck by Chance’ marking 17 years since its release on January 30, 2009. The movie that launched her into Bollywood’s directing spotlight continues to evoke fond memories of a bygone era in cinema.
On Instagram, Zoya shared a treasure trove of behind-the-scenes photos and iconic scenes featuring stars like Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, Rishi Kapoor, and Dimple Kapadia. Her caption painted a vivid picture of the film’s making: a time when passion ruled over prints, romance dominated screens, and actors were genuine friends bonding on set. She reminisced about her brother Farhan as her first hero, the carefree days without constant phone checks, and how life felt like a dream.
‘Luck by Chance’ masterfully captures the glitz and grit of Bollywood, following aspiring actor Vikram (Farhan Akhtar) whose overnight success via sheer luck comes at the cost of his personal relationships, alongside Konkona Sen Sharma. The ensemble cast included Rishi Kapoor, Ali Khan, Juhi Chawla, and others, delivering powerhouse performances despite the film’s box office struggles.
Zoya’s journey in the industry began earlier with casting duties on ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ in 2001 and assisting on ‘Lakshya’ in 2004, both helmed by her brother Farhan. Her directorial debut earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Director, a testament to her storytelling prowess amid commercial setbacks.
As Zoya flips through these golden pages, fans are reminded of the film’s enduring themes of ambition, serendipity, and the human side of stardom. In an industry evolving rapidly, such throwbacks highlight the magic of collaborative creativity that defined early 2000s Bollywood.