Meghna Gulzar on Sociology, Non‑Fiction and Upcoming Crime Thriller ‘Daira’

Meghna Gulzar, the director behind socially resonant movies like "Talwar," "Raazi" and "Sam Bahadur," shared that her greatest creative catalyst is life itself. She believes that the first spark of change in a real incident becomes the most vital inspiration for her.

Gulzar prefers to immerse herself in non‑fiction material rather than pure fiction, as real events provide a deeper understanding of society and the world. This approach, she says, is woven into every script she develops.

Her undergraduate studies in sociology reshaped how she perceives communities. She described a constant internal radar that tracks societal trends, shifts in public opinion, and emerging challenges, all of which inform her storytelling.

The upcoming film "Daira," a crime thriller starring Kareena Kapoor Khan and Pritviraj Sukumaran, will continue this tradition. Produced by Wild Pictures under Vinod Jain, the movie examines crime, investigation, and questions of justice, power, and law. The release date is set for September 18, 2026.