Kriti Sanon Talks About Nepotism, Gender Bias and Career Setbacks

Actor Kriti Sanon has spoken candidly about the challenges she faced as an outsider in the Hindi film industry, revealing that several roles she came close to securing eventually went to star kids. In a recent interview with GQ, the actor reflected on career setbacks, industry bias and the uncertainty that comes with having no film background.

“Before Mimi, I went through phases of frustration… wanting to do more — knowing I was capable of more, but lacked opportunities,” Kriti said. “There were roles I came very close to that eventually went to star kids, something that was beyond my control.”

The actor added that building a career without industry connections involved constant uncertainty and gradual growth. “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 said.

Kriti Sanon reflects on failures and career lows

During the interview, Kriti also spoke about a difficult phase in her career when several projects failed to deliver the results she had hoped for. She admitted that some choices were influenced by external expectations rather than instinct.

The actor described that period as confusing, saying there was a time when “nothing was working.” However, she also credited those setbacks for helping her gain clarity about the kind of work she wanted to pursue.

“Failures teach you far more than success does,” Kriti said, adding that difficult experiences helped her become more conscious and selective about her film choices.

‘Mimi’ marked a turning point

Kriti described Mimi as one of the defining moments of her career. The film earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress and, according to the actor, changed perceptions about her abilities.

“The biggest was Mimi, and the love that it received because it was the first project that I shouldered,” she said, referring to the film’s release during the Covid-19 pandemic and its eventual streaming debut.

She added that the response to the film made her feel she had “shattered some notions” people held about her as an actor.

Kriti Sanon addresses gender disparity in Bollywood

Apart from nepotism, Kriti also discussed gender inequality within the film industry, especially in relation to pay parity and workplace treatment.

“There’s been some struggle around money,” she said. “When they have to cut corners, they often negotiate down the female lead’s fee, even though a large chunk of the budget goes to the male actor.”

The actor said patriarchal attitudes still exist in subtle forms across film sets and production environments. She recalled instances early in her career where male co-stars received better treatment despite not being senior actors.

“It wasn’t about the car, but about being respected equally,” Kriti explained.

She also said she has tried to stand up for herself throughout her career, though speaking openly was more difficult in her early years in the industry.

Upcoming projects

On the work front, Kriti is set to star in Cocktail 2 alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film, directed by Homi Adajania, is scheduled to release on June 19, 2026.

Kriti has also expanded her work beyond acting, launching her production house Blue Butterfly Films and skincare brand Hyphen in recent years.