From ‘Costao’ director Sejal Shah to Zoya Akhtar: Female directors with the finest debuts

Sejal Shah made a powerful directorial debut with Costao, a film that has quickly gained attention for its gripping narrative and artistic depth.

Costao is not just a strong debut, it’s a cinematic statement, marking Sejal Shah as a director to watch on the world stage.

Meghna Gulzar made an impressive directorial debut with Filhaal…, a sensitive and forward-thinking film that explored surrogacy

Filhaal… not only showcased Meghna’s ability to handle emotionally layered narratives but also set the foundation for a career marked by depth

Reema Kagti made a memorable debut with Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd., a vibrant ensemble film that broke away from conventional storytelling 

The film not only marked a strong start to her career but also hinted at the bold, genre-defying stories she would go on to tell.

Gauri Shinde made a heartfelt and impactful debut with English Vinglish, a film that struck a chord with audiences worldwide. 

Centered around a woman’s journey of self-worth and empowerment, the film was both tender and empowering, driven by a nuanced performance from Sridevi

Zoya Akhtar made a striking debut with Luck by Chance (2009), a sharp, introspective look into the inner workings of the Hindi film industry.

 Bold in its commentary and subtle in its execution, Luck by Chance remains one of Zoya’s most acclaimed works