In Bed With… Zoya Akhtar
In Bed With… Zoya Akhtar
Between the successes of Gully Boy and Made in Heaven, it’s been a busy and exciting year for film director and screenwriter Zoya Akhtar. With a career that requires her to regularly harness creative energy – her own and that of those she works with – how does she stay centred?
Below, she chats with Himêya about self care, pet peeves, and the importance of not bringing baggage to bed:
Nighttime routine
I shower to make myself sleepy, and use a Bioderma cleanser every night to get Bombay off my face.
Your version of counting sheep…
Reading!
Current bedtime reading
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney. When you’re shooting 14 hours a day, you don’t have the bandwidth to read, but I always keep a book in my bag.
Photo credit: Rema Chaudhary
Bedroom pet peeves
I don’t like wet towels or food lying around my bedroom. I wouldn’t want someone sweaty on my bed but I’ve always had dogs on it.
You’re most comfortable sleeping in…
Pyjamas!
Morning routine
I usually sleep for seven hours; I’m not much of a lounger. I start with yoga or exercise, or hot water and lemon, read, shower, have breakfast and check social media.
Is your bedroom a screen-free zone?
I write on my laptop, so that comes to bed often. I don’t have a TV in my bedroom.
The last film/show you watched in bed…
An episode of Big Little Lies.
Favourite nightcap
Green tea!
Photo credit: Rema Chaudhary
“I eat right, exercise, and drink lots of water. And I try to process my thoughts. I don’t like collecting baggage or taking it to bed.”
Bedroom objects that keep you grounded…
I have a jade statue by my bed that someone gave me for good health that travels with me wherever I go. A friend from Turkey gave me an evil eye which is always in my handbag.
Tips for a good night’s sleep
No caffeine before bed. A hot shower goes a long way. There’s also something to be said about a hard day’s work or workout. If all else fails, melatonin!
