Kriti Sanon opened up about the challenges she faced in her early career, revealing that roles she nearly landed eventually went to star kids.
She described the period before Mimi (2021) as frustrating, marked by missed opportunities and confusion.
In a conversation with GQ, Kriti said, “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.” She emphasised that entering the industry without a film background meant dealing with uncertainty and earning every opportunity through persistence.
The actor admitted that some projects failed to make the impact she hoped for, leaving her feeling stuck professionally. She explained that setbacks taught her valuable lessons, helping her refine her choices and strengthen her perspective as an actor.
Kriti also highlighted inequalities beyond casting, particularly in negotiating fees. She said producers often cut costs by reducing the female lead’s pay, even when the male lead commands a larger share of the budget. She noted subtle biases on film sets, such as ensuring female actors are ready first so male actors do not wait.
Reflecting on her journey, Kriti recalled moments when male co-actors received better facilities, stressing that the issue was about respect and equality. She insisted that her growth has been gradual, shaped by risks and intentional decisions.
Kriti is now preparing for Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor, scheduled for release on June 19.
