Born in Istanbul on August 4, 1941, Zeki Ökten began his theatrical studies while attending Haydarpaşa High School. He entered the film industry in 1961 as an assistant director on the film "Acı Zeytin" (Bitter Olive), directed by Nişan Hançer.

After directing his first film, "Ölüm Pazarı" (Death Market), in 1963, Ökten returned to assistant work when it didn't achieve the success he expected. For nine years, he worked as an assistant director alongside directors such as Ömer Lütfi Akad, Halit Refiğ, Memduh Ün, and Atıf Yılmaz.