AN EYE TO THE FUTURE

In the past decade, Kriti Sanon went from being an engineering student to a bona fide star. Here, the actor talks to us about portraying strong characters, stepping outside her comfort zone, and making it on her own.

It’s 0 °Celsius in Lucerne, Switzerland. From the high ridge of the Bürgenstock Resort, a panoramic view of the Alpine snowscape stretches ceaselessly. We are freezing, and so is Kriti Sanon. But when the cameras start flashing, the 29-year-old actor poises herself with a steadfast determination that is reminiscent of her career. Sanon made her Bollywood debut in 2014, to wide critical and popular acclaim for Heropanti, and has since starred in several commercially successful films. Now, fresh off the release of her first period-drama Panipat, she’s ready for more challenging roles.

What is the most exciting thing about being an actor in Bollywood today?

I think this is the best time to be a female actor in this industry, because we are getting more substantial roles that really allow us to come into our own. And with female-oriented films doing well at the box office, more and more producers and directors are willing to make such films.

Tell us about your journey so far.

Well it’s been a dream. I was quite a studious child and loved science, so I entered an engineering college without even knowing what an engineer does! Acting was something I had never tried. When I began modelling, I realised I liked being in front of the camera. Soon enough, I moved to Mumbai to give acting a shot. Being a model helped me groom my personality, but I fell in love with performing. My passion has only grown since then. It’s been a hit-and-trial process, knowing what works for me and what doesn’t. Since I have no formal training in theatre or films, I’ve had to learn on the job and that has been really enjoyable. My goal is just to grow with every performance.

You’ve earned all your achievements on your own. How does that feel?