Zoya Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani meet with Honourable President of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, see pic

Ritesh Sidhwani and Zoya Akhtar with Spain's President, Pedro Sánchez in Mumbai

In a proud moment, Producer Ritesh Sidhwani and director Zoya Akhtar recently had a memorable meeting with Spain's President, Pedro Sánchez, during his visit to Mumbai.

Sidhwani, founder of Excel Entertainment, posted a photo on social media showing himself alongside Akhtar and President Sánchez, capturing the moment of welcome with a thoughtful caption that read, "A warm welcome to Mumbai. An inspiring evening over Indian chai with the Honourable President of Spain @sanchezcastejon and @zoieakhtar @desdelamoncloa."

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Meeting with President Pedro Sánchez was especially meaningful for Ritesh Sidhwani and Zoya Akhtar, as Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, filmed against Spain's stunning landscapes, had a notable impact on Spanish tourism.

Their discussions delved into the influence of cinema, the creative process, and film’s powerful role in shaping cultural stories.

Zoya Akhtar made her directorial debut with Luck By Chance in 2009, a satirical take on Bollywood’s highs and lows, which quickly established her reputation for sharp character development and industry insights. She is also known for blockbuster movies including Dil Chahta Hai, Dil Dhadakne Do, Gully Boy, popular web series Made in Heaven.

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Interestingly, one of her most appreciated films, Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), became a blockbuster hit, capturing the essence of friendship and self-discovery during a road trip across Spain. This film not only resonated with audiences but also boosted tourism in Spain significantly.

Excel Entertainment was co-founded by Ritesh Sidhwani and Farhan Akhtar.