Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Zoya Akhtar: Kalki Koechlin is not the villain; sequel planned
A long time ago, a movie called Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara came out.
It is about three friends who go on a fun trip together in Spain.
One of the friends, Kabir, has a fiancée named Natasha.
In the movie, Natasha seems like a killjoy, so some people thought she was the bad guy.
Now the movie's director, Zoya Akhtar, says that is not true.
Zoya says Natasha is a smart, clear-headed lady who knows what she wants in life.
Natasha wanted to get married soon, but Kabir was scared and not ready.
That is why their plans did not work out, and Zoya says that does not make Natasha bad.
Zoya points out that the friends did like Natasha, because she is still with them at the end of the movie.
Zoya also shared that a second movie may be coming, but nothing is decided yet.
Zoya Akhtar said Kalki Koechlin's Natasha is 'not the villain' of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which recently marked its 15th anniversary.
She described Natasha as a clear-headed, decisive woman, while Kabir (Abhay Deol) was not ready for marriage, leading to their break-up.
Zoya said Natasha remains part of the gang, as shown by her presence at Arjun and Laila's wedding at the film's end.
Responding to fan criticism, Zoya said she does not find Natasha's landing on the bachelor trip weird and called her 'extremely charming and extremely cute.'
Zoya confirmed a sequel is in development, saying 'We are on it,' though nothing is finalized.
- Who
- Director Zoya Akhtar, speaking about Kalki Koechlin's character Natasha and Kabir (played by Abhay Deol) in Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.
- What
- Zoya Akhtar clarified that Natasha is not the villain of the film, defended her character, and confirmed a sequel is being worked on.
- When
- Around the film's 15th anniversary, during a recent interview.
- Where
- In a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India.
- Why
- To address fan interpretations of Natasha as a negative character and to share news about a possible sequel.
Fans' view
Zoya Akhtar's view
Natasha as the villain
Fans' view
Some fans saw Natasha as a killjoy or negative character because she seemed to spoil the boys' trip and pressured Kabir into marriage.
Zoya Akhtar's view
Zoya insists Natasha is not the villain; she is clear-headed, charming, and simply wanted things in life that did not align with Kabir.
Natasha landing on the bachelor trip
Fans' view
People find it weird that Natasha flew to Spain to join the bachelor trip.
Zoya Akhtar's view
Zoya says she does not find it weird and finds Natasha extremely charming and cute.
- Film
- Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
- Director
- Zoya Akhtar
- Character discussed
- Natasha, played by Kalki Koechlin
- Natasha's fiancé
- Kabir, played by Abhay Deol
- Anniversary
- 15 years
- Interview outlet
- The Hollywood Reporter India
- Sequel status
- In development ('We are on it')
- Other cast
- Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif, Farhan Akhtar, Deepti Naval, Naseeruddin Shah