Elshan Zeynalli (Elshan Zeynalov) was born in Sumgayit. He studied at the Directing Faculty of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts (1993-1997, Eldar Guliyev's course).

He worked as an assistant director at the "Azerbaijanfilm" film studio, at the "Azerbaijantelefilm" Creative Union (1997), at the "Television Film Studio" of ATV International channel (2011-2013), at the "Television Film Studio" of CBC TV (2013), and as a director at the Azerbaijan State Theater of Young Spectators.

He directed the play "Inhabitants of Hell" (Elchin) and the play "Shushasiz" (Elshan Zeynalli) at the Shusha Musical State Drama Theater.

He is a laureate of the Republican Youth Prize.

Since 2021, he has been teaching at the Baku State Vocational Education Center for Culture and Crafts.