In an industry driven by scale speed and spectacle Meghna Gulzar has always chosen stillness over noise. With 23 years in Bollywood her journey stands out not for the number of films she has directed but for the depth each one carries. While trends formulas and audience tastes have shifted over the years Meghna’s approach to cinema has remained constant rooted in human emotion social realities and stories inspired by truth. On the occasion of her birthday it feels fitting to revisit the films that shaped her career and quietly cemented her place among Bollywood’s most influential filmmakers. How did Meghna Gulzar begin her journey? Meghna made her directorial debut with Filhaal in 2002 starring Tabu Sushmita Sen and Akash Khurana. Despite its emotional core and sensitive theme the film failed to connect with audiences and was declared a box-office disaster. As per Box Office India Filhaal earned just Rs 1.91 crore. However the film hinted early on at Meghna’s preference for layered storytelling over commercial tropes. Did early failures slow her down? Not quite. Her next film Just Married (2007) featuring Esha Deol and Fardeen Khan explored the complexities of arranged marriage. Though relatable in concept the film once again failed commercially collecting Rs 4.17 crore. Despite back-to-back setbacks Meghna stayed committed to telling intimate character-driven stories. Which film marked her turning point? That moment arrived with Talvar. Based on the 2008 Aarushi Talwar double murder case the crime thriller starred Irrfan Khan and Konkona Sen Sharma. The film was widely appreciated for its restrained narrative and multiple perspectives. It went on to earn over Rs 30 crore emerging as a semi-hit and establishing Meghna as a director unafraid of uncomfortable truths. Why did Raazi change everything? In 2018 Meghna delivered her biggest success with Raazi starring Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Made on a modest budget of around Rs 20 crore the film earned Rs 138 crore worldwide. Set against the backdrop of the 1971 India-Pakistan war Raazi was later banned in Pakistan but became one of the year’s highest-grossing films in India. Have all her recent films worked at the box office? Not always. Chhapaak (2020) based on acid attack survivor Laxmi Agarwal failed commercially despite strong performances by Deepika Padukone and Vikrant Massey. However Meghna bounced back with Sam Bahadur the biopic of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw. With a budget of Rs 55 crore the film earned Rs 128 crore and reaffirmed her credibility. Despite directing just six films Meghna Gulzar is counted among Bollywood’s wealthiest directors. Media reports suggest her net worth stands at approximately Rs 830 crore. More than numbers however her true legacy lies in films that speak softly—but stay with you long after the screen fades to black.