Zoya Akhtar: Comfort comes from having same values
Updated On: 15 March, 2022 07:05 AM IST | Hiren Kotwani
Backing Eternally Confused and Eager for Love, Zoya discusses reuniting with Rahul and Suchitra for series
Rahul Bose and Suchitra Pillai in the series
Zoya Akhtar has been one of the early birds in Indian digital entertainment, giving us the nuanced Made in Heaven (2019). If the web series studied the many failings and hypocrisies of love, her upcoming show is a younger and lighter take on romance. Eternally Confused and Eager for Love, directed by Rahul Nair, traces the awkward Ray’s struggles in finding a partner despite a plethora of dating apps.
Considering the story hinged on Ray’s romantic misadventures, Akhtar — who, along with Reema Kagti, serves as the producer — says they auditioned extensively for the male lead, finally zeroing in on Vihaan Samat. “Finding Ray was key because he is the show. We needed someone endearing and attractive, but at the same time, he couldn’t be so attractive that [it would make you question] why he is in such a dilemma at all. He had to have a lot of heart, but had to make you feel as though he could be an ordinary boy. We weren’t getting [the right fit] until we found Vihaan,” she states.

The Netflix series also features Rahul Bose and Suchitra Pillai, who are all too familiar with Akhtar’s brand of stories. Bose previously teamed up with her on Dil Dhadakne Do (2015), while Pillai played an interesting part in Farhan Akhtar’s directorial debut Dil Chahta Hai (2001). “I tend to repeat working with the same cast or crew,” admits Akhtar. “Aside from the fact that they are talented, there is a comfort that comes out of having synchronisation, having the same values, and the same kind of humour. It makes going to work enjoyable.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Poll
Who will win the Punjab Elections?
Jim Sarbh has bagged a fascinating role — he is the voice behind Wiz, Ray’s guiding light in the series. Point out that the audience may expect a star to serve as the narrator, like Aamir Khan did in Dil Dhadakne Do, and the director disagrees. “[That line of thinking] is the same as those who feel that an A-list star is must for a box-office [hit]. With OTT offerings, you don’t have to decide [your cast] based on how many eyeballs they will grab. It’s based on whether they fit the part or not. Jim is perfect for the role,” says Nair.
Tags
Trending Stories
Latest Web Stories
Latest Photos
17 December, 2025 11:56 AM IST | IN PHOTOS: MLAs at Vidhan Bhavan during Maharashtra Legislative Council polls
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:32 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: People in Mumbai celebrate Gauri Puja during Ganeshotsav
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 09:13 PM IST | IN PHOTOS: Mumbai witnesses sunny weather as rains take a break
Asif Ali Sayed
09 September, 2024 01:53 PM IST | In Photos: Amit Shah attends Ganeshotsav 2024 festivities in Mumbai
Divya Nair
Latest Videos
ADVERTISEMENT
Mid-day Fast
Latest Headlines
08 June, 2026 12:08 PM IST | mid-day online correspondent
08 June, 2026 12:01 PM IST | Makepeace Sitlhou
06 June, 2026 07:10 PM IST | Bespoke Stories