Kritika Kamra feels her journey — both professionally and personally — has been one defined by growth and countless learnings. On her 35th birthday today, the actor says she’s only just beginning: “I want my birthday to be like any other day. As for the coming year, I’m ready for whatever is in store for me!”

What has changed over time, Kamra shares, is that she’s started enjoying her own company. “Now, I have JOMO (joy of missing out). I‘m happy spending time with myself and with the ones who matter. I’ll take quality time and a good meal over a big event or the best party in town, any day,” says the Kaun Banegi Shikharwati actor, adding, “I’ve also made health a priority. I try my best to not miss a workout, follow a time-restricted pattern of eating and try to get eight hours of sleep.”

Speaking of change, Kamra’s personal life has gone from once being the talk of the town to becoming a mystery today. After she parted ways with actor Karan Kundrra, it’s been a “deliberate choice to maintain privacy”. “I understand that I’m a public figure and my work and life will be scrutinized. But, I choose to only share what I welcome feedback on. I don’t think my love life needs that kind of attention,” she shares.

Despite being a public figure, keeping her personal life under wraps hasn’t been a challenge. “I don’t find it difficult. It’s a choice to have clear boundaries and it makes life easier for me,” Kamra says, adding, “When the time is right, the world can know and share their feelings and opinions about it with me. For now, I’m happy to hear about my work on social media. I read comments and reviews because the work that I do as an actor is for people to consume and comment on.”

And lately, all she’s been getting is positive feedback for her performance in the web series Bambai Meri Jaan. “I’m very happy and grateful for the love and encouragement I’ve got for it. This show means a lot to me and I’m glad those who watched it have liked it and are eagerly waiting for the next season... I’m always on the lookout for bigger, better opportunities. Getting work, choosing the right kind of role is a big part of this profession and sometimes takes more than it does to act. It’s challenging but that only makes the journey better and rewards sweeter,” she ends.