In a landmark literary and cultural event, the debut book of Kashmiri journalist Rameez Makhdoomi on filmmaker Ayesha Zaki was officially unveiled in Dubai at the Zee Gulf Green Summit and Awards 2025. The high-profile event was hosted by WeTel World in association with Zee Media and witnessed the presence of eminent global figures from cinema, academia, and governance.
The book, titled “Ayesha Zaki – A Life in Poetic Fragrance,” offers an in-depth narrative on the extraordinary journey of Ayesha Zaki, popularly known as “The OTT Queen” in Dubai. Zaki is celebrated as the first Indian woman filmmaker in the UAE whose short films have garnered global recognition, streaming successfully on Dish TV, cable and satellite networks, as well as on multiple major OTT platforms worldwide.
The unveiling ceremony was graced by several dignitaries, including His Excellency Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Sharjah Consultative Council and former UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Bollywood actor, producer, and director Arbaaz Khan; Arman Khan, Director of WeTel Group; Tarique Faridy, Editor and Channel Head at Zee Media Corporation Limited; Professor Adil Matin, President of WeTel Sustainability; along with Ayesha Zaki herself.
Rameez Makhdoomi, a seasoned journalist from Kashmir, has long chronicled Ayesha Zaki’s cinematic journey through his writings. His debut book encapsulates her rise as a pioneering filmmaker, her influence on OTT storytelling, and her contribution to shaping a space for South Asian women filmmakers in the UAE.
The Dubai launch not only marked Makhdoomi’s entry into the literary world but also celebrated Zaki’s cultural legacy, positioning her as a trailblazer in the global entertainment industry.
