Zoya Akhtar is sharing her unfiltered thoughts on the Indian film industry as she addresses the nepotism debate head-on.

In an exclusive interview with The Swaddle podcast, the Zindagi Na Meegi Dobara director explained how the industry actually functions.

Raising questions about the current framework, she said, “Firstly, we have to stop looking at the industry like it’s a room, where you’re either inside or outside. The industry is an infrastructure. Anybody can do what they want. Anybody can make a film. You can come in here, you can do what you want.”

The filmmaker also pointed out that being cast in a Dharma film doesn’t give any actor a license in the industry, nor does it serve as proof of being a certified actor.

“See, the point is, a lot of people complain that they are not in the industry. But they’re actually complaining because they’re not in a Dharma film. You understand?” she added.

On the professional front, Akhtar made her directorial debut with Luck by Chance and even received a Filmfare Award for Best Debut Director just before her breakthrough.