In a recent interview, Kriti Sanon reflected on how her childhood shaped her into someone with an open, unbiased mindset — only for the industry to reveal a very different reality.
Kriti Sanon, one of the leading actresses in the Hindi film industry, made her Bollywood debut in 2014 with Heropanti, alongside Tiger Shroff. Recently, she opened up about the gender bias that still exists in the industry, pointing out how male actors are often given more importance. In the same interview, Kriti also spoke about her upbringing and highlighted a common practice on film sets — where female actors are called in early, only to be kept waiting for their male co-stars.
Kriti Sanon on How Her Childhood Shaped Her Mindset
In an open conversation with NDTV, Kriti reflected on how her childhood deeply influenced her way of thinking. Growing up with both parents as working professionals who shared responsibilities equally, neither she nor her sister, Nupur Sanon, ever felt confined by gender roles at home. Kriti shared that, during her mother’s younger days, societal norms were quite different. That experience made her mother determined to give her daughters the freedom to follow their own paths. She stated:
“My mom grew up in a time when boys were allowed a lot of things that girls were not. Girls were supposed to stay at home, cook, and follow rules. She wanted to learn swimming or dancing, but couldn’t. The only thing she fought for was studying, and she became a professor. Her first thought for me and my sister was, ‘Do whatever you want to. Whatever you dream of, go for it.’ That came from her.”
Kriti Sanon Speaks Up Against Gender Bias in Bollywood
In the same conversation, Kriti reflected that although her childhood was free of any bias, the film industry exposed her to subtle yet unfair disparities. She revealed how male actors often receive better cars and more luxurious rooms. For her, it was never about demanding better cars, but about ensuring equal treatment for both male and female actors. She also pointed out how some assistant directors call female actors early, only to wait around for their male counterparts to arrive. In her words:
“It hasn’t happened too many times, but little things like the male actor getting a better car or a better room… It’s not about the car, but about not making me feel smaller because I’m a woman. Just make it equal. Sometimes, even ADs have a habit of calling the female actor first and waiting for the male actor later. I’ve had to tell them not to do that. The mindset needs to change”
Kriti Sanon’s upcoming projects
Kriti Sanon is all set to appear next in Tere Ishk Mein, opposite South star Dhanush. Scheduled for release on November 28, 2025, the film will see her playing the role of ‘Mukti’, while Dhanush steps into the character of ‘Shankar’. She has also joined forces with Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna for Cocktail 2. In addition, Kriti will reprise her role in Bhediya 2.
Although there’s no official confirmation yet, rumours suggest she might make a cameo appearance. Up next, she has Don 3 lined up, where after much speculation, Kriti has finally been confirmed as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh. Meanwhile, Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya is set to return with a sequel — this time bringing Janhvi Kapoor alongside Kriti and Shahid Kapoor.