Mumbai: Actress Kriti Sanon has spoken candidly about the struggles she faced during the early years of her Bollywood career, revealing that several roles she came close to securing eventually went to star kids before her breakthrough performance in Mimi changed the trajectory of her career.
In a recent interview with GQ India, Kriti reflected on her journey in the film industry and the uncertainty she experienced as an outsider without a film background.
Kriti opens up about industry struggles
Speaking about the period before Mimi earned her widespread recognition and the National Film Award for Best Actress, Kriti admitted that she often felt frustrated professionally.
“Before Mimi, I went through phases of frustration… wanting to do more, knowing I was capable of more, but lacked opportunities. There were roles I came very close to that eventually went to star kids, something that was beyond my control,” the actress said.
Kriti explained that actors without industry connections often face a higher level of uncertainty while trying to establish themselves in Bollywood.
“When you don’t come from a film background, there’s a great amount of uncertainty you have to deal with. It has been a process of gradual growth, with me taking risks and making more intentional choices. I have earned every opportunity; nothing has been handed to me,” she added.
Actress reflects on mistakes and setbacks
Kriti Sanon also acknowledged making career decisions influenced by external expectations rather than creative satisfaction.
According to the actress, there was a time when she selected projects because they appeared significant commercially, despite offering limited scope for her performance as an actor.
“I have also made mistakes, listening to external voices and taking on projects because they seemed significant, even when I knew they did not offer much for me as an actor,” she shared.
The actress further revealed that there was a difficult phase in her career when several projects failed to work professionally, leaving her uncertain about her future direction.
“There was a phase where nothing was working, and it felt confusing. However, I am grateful for that period, because it gave me clarity on what I do not want to pursue. Failures teach you far more than success does,” Kriti stated.
Mimi marked a turning point
Kriti’s performance in Mimi is widely regarded as a major turning point in her acting career.
The film not only received critical appreciation but also earned her the National Award for Best Actress, strengthening her position as one of the leading performers in contemporary Hindi cinema.
Over the years, Kriti has transitioned from commercial entertainers to more performance-oriented roles, gradually expanding her filmography across genres.
Upcoming projects
On the professional front, Kriti Sanon is set to appear next in Cocktail 2 alongside Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor.
The film is scheduled for theatrical release on June 19, 2026.
Kriti concluded her reflections by speaking about maintaining emotional balance amid success and setbacks in the entertainment industry.
“One simply has to ensure that success does not go to one’s head, and failure does not weigh on one’s heart,” she said.
Comments are closed.