Actor Kriti Sanon has revealed for the first time that she froze her eggs in 2021, sharing that she never wanted to feel tied down by a “need to get married now or have kids, keeping a timeline in mind”.

Speaking on the Humans of Bombay podcast, the 35-year-old shared that she chose to undergo the process while preparing for her film Mimi (2025). Since she had to gain weight to play a surrogate in the film, she felt it was the ideal time, as the process naturally causes “intense bloating”.

Kriti recalled that she felt “hormonally disruptive” after undergoing the procedure: “[I felt] almost like a pregnant woman, because your mood swings are going off the chart.”

She admitted that the procedure was “not an easy process but worth it”.

Explaining what influenced her decision, Kriti said, “After a certain age, it is tougher to get pregnant in a healthy way, and even for the baby to be healthy. So I took that call instinctively. Also, I could afford it.”

It is a process where mature eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, frozen, and stored for future use.

The process involves daily hormone injections to stimulate your ovaries, a minor procedure to retrieve mature eggs, and freezing to preserve them. It can take about two weeks. When you’re ready to conceive, they are thawed, fertilized and implanted.

The best age to freeze your eggs is between your late 20s to before 35, since egg quality and ovarian reserve are optimal at that age.

Costs vary depending on various factors. After an initial egg freezing cost between Rs. 1.2 lakh and Rs. 3.5 lakh, clinics may charge an annual cryostorage fee ranging from around Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1 lakh per year.

Human eggs can be frozen indefinitely from a biological standpoint. But, in India, under the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, eggs can typically be stored for up to 10 years.

Doctors are increasingly seeing healthy women in their late 20s and 30s opting for it to preserve their fertility while pursuing higher education, career goals, or waiting for the right partner.

No. It is a scientific option to preserve fertility, and the decision should always be taken after consultation with a fertility specialist.

Inputs from IVF specialists Dr Sutapa Sen, She Delhi; Dr Vaishali Sharma

It began in 2024 and has continued well into 2026 — Kriti Sanon’s successful run at the movies shows no signs of slowing down. It started with Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, followed by the heist comedy Crew and a darker turn in Do Patti. 2025 brought the intense love story Tere Ishk Mein, and now, the breezy Cocktail 2.

When we point out that she seems content staying out of the rat race and away from social media rivalries, she says she is “actually very competitive”. She says, “When I see someone doing well, I feel like I also want to do well. Competition motivates me to do better. I feel like it also comes at a certain point in your career that you have a sense of security with yourself.” Things changed for the better, especially in 2021, she adds: “The validation that Mimi (2021) gave me, whether from the audience or through the National Award, made me feel like I had finally proved my talent and could now explore more... I am very critical of myself. So, I am always wanting to do better than what I have done before. It’s boring to be in a race with someone else and it just doesn’t give you peace.”

It’s a mix of both. I think any actor craves for that moment and day. Fortunately, this is a role that is very glamorous but also has its layers. I got lucky.

I knew that there would be comparisons, and thankfully, this was not a sequel but a franchise. It’s just the vibe of Cocktail (2012) that was being taken forward in Cocktail 2… and the fact that it was one boy and two girls. Apart from that, there was absolutely no similarity; the story and the conflicts are completely different. I feel like Ally, my character, was not Veronica (Deepika Padukone’s character in Cocktail), and that’s what excited me. If I were doing a remake, then I think the pressure would have been way more.

At the end of it, we all want to be loved, so I feel that’s a similarity. But I also feel even though she is really bindaas and free-spirited, in her heart, she really cares. The empathy part of it was interesting for me, and I connected with it.

There have been so many coming from everywhere. Whether it’s Sajid (Nadiadwala, producer) sir or Sabbir (Khan, director) sir, who have seen me in my debut film Heropanti (2014), and now after this journey of about 12 years, playing a role like this; both sent me long, lovely messages. That was very emotional because when I did Heropanti, I was a baby who knew nothing and just learned everything on the job. The only thing that hasn’t changed is that I used to ask a lot of questions back then. And I am curious even now.

That also happens where sometimes it’s like, ‘Oh now I don’t want to spoil it, it’s a good run going on,’ But when you try different things like when I did Mimi (2021), a lot of people told me ‘Why do you want to play a mother right now’ or ‘Surrogacy is such a serious topic’ or ‘It’s too soon to take something on your shoulders’. The fact that I didn’t listen to it and went with my gut feeling gave me what it did (her first National film award).. So, that made me feel that okay, ‘I need to feel it from inside’. I need to really feel hungry towards doing a certain film. I need to feel challenged by the character and not repeat myself. When Tere Ishq Mein (2025) happened, it was such an intense film; it was emotionally and physically draining. As an actor, by the end of that film, I couldn’t do another intense project immediately. Fortunately, I had Cocktail 2 that came to me, and I was like, ‘This is a breath of fresh air and I would love to do this next.’

Yes. Aapko agar ek hi tarah ka khaana baar-baar denge toh aap bhi bore ho jaoge na? So, as an audience also, you want different kinds of cuisines and different genres of films. I think what we started thinking is ‘Oh, action is working. So, let’s make action films.’ But at the end of it, people want something that is engaging and different for them to not wait for the film to stream on OTT. People should have FOMO, ‘we have to go to a theatre and see it’. That experience needs to happen. Earlier, when OTT was not there, it took six months for a film to come on TV. So, there was a little more urgency to watch it. Now, mediocrity is not going to work.

I am excited to find a script. Genuinely, I have not signed anything, and I am not in a hurry. Right now, quality over quantity for me, for sure.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day is coming. I’m excited about that. Dune: Part Three, too. Then there’s Eetha. Laxman Utekar sir is directing, the teaser is fab. It’s Laxman sir in his full element and avatar with Shraddha (Kapoor, actor). It looks very powerful.

That will happen when it happens. I am not in a hurry. I think everything has its own time.

What was meant to be a high-energy promotional stop for Cocktail 2 in Pune reportedly descended into chaos after an overwhelming crowd forced organisers to cut the event short.

Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Rashmika Mandanna were scheduled to spend nearly 40 minutes at Phoenix Market City in Viman Nagar on Friday (June 12), but the appearance reportedly lasted barely 10 minutes after fans broke through barricades and surged towards the stars.

“It became impossible to control the crowd within minutes. People started pushing from all sides and barricades gave way,” an eyewitness told mid-day.

Another witness added, “The actors could barely spend any time on stage. Security immediately stepped in and to move them out once the crowd surged forward.”

Sources claim Shahid’s clothes were torn in the commotion as security personnel rushed the trio to safety. “There was a lot of screaming and pushing. Fans were trying to get as close as possible to the stars. The security team looked overwhelmed for a few moments,” said another eyewitness.

The frenzy reportedly led to traffic snarls around Viman Nagar and Nagar Road, with crowds continuing to gather even after the actors had left. Insiders say the team has since increased security for upcoming public appearances.

“More security personnel are expected to be present with the actors during future promotional events,” a source said.

Amid the chaos, a video that surfaced online showed Kriti Sanon holding on to Rashmika Mandanna and guiding her through the crowd as security struggled to create a passage. Netizens praised Kriti’s protective gesture, with many likening her to an “elder sister” looking out for her co-star.

Three’s already a crowd with Varun Dhawan, Mrunal Thakur, and Pooja Hegde featuring in Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai. What if we told you that another stunner has joined the mix? mid-day has exclusively learnt that Dhawan’s Bhediya (2022) co-star Kriti Sanon has a cameo in the upcoming comedy, featuring in a post-credit song. Apparently, the duo filmed the high-energy number — being described as the film’s “big celebratory finale” by insiders — at the Santacruz restaurant, Eve, on April 16.

According to a source close to the production, the team had been planning a glamorous end-credit track, but Sanon’s involvement was a late addition.

“It was meant to be a fun, youthful track that captures the film’s spirit. Getting Kriti on board was an inspired choice, given her crackling chemistry with Varun in Dilwale [2015] and Bhediya [2022],” said a source.

The song is your classic party number with a packed dance floor, neon-lit visuals, and fast beats. The source added, “Director David Dhawan wanted it to feel like a celebration, not just for the characters, but also for the audience walking out of the theatre.”

Before wrapping up its shoot in January, the cast and crew of Cocktail 2 shot a vibrant special number in Mumbai, featuring Shahid Kapoor, Rashmika Mandanna, and Kriti Sanon — bringing a splash of colour to an otherwise dark, edgy narrative.

“Cocktail 2 is about love, betrayal, and revenge. The two girls — Rashmika and Kriti — have more layers to them. To lighten the intensity, there are lots of peppy dance tracks,” informs a source close to the production, adding that the setting of the song revolves around an engagement ceremony.

Composed by Pritam, the track is an original, and the team built a “huge house” in Film City for the number.

The trio also shot a final club song before the schedule came to a close. “Pritam has made some great stuff for this outing, including a peppy, fun, club song which features the three leads. We shot this in Film City,” shares the source, adding that the tracks were locked and ready before Mandanna’s February wedding with Vijay Deverakonda.

Singer Stebin Ben and Nupur Sanon’s pre-wedding celebrations begin today in Udaipur with haldi and mehendi ceremonies. The celebrations will continue with a Christian wedding ceremony scheduled tomorrow, while the pheras will take place on January 11.

Sources close to the couple revealed that the wedding will be marked by several heartfelt moments. “Nupur’s father will walk her down the aisle, while her sister, Kriti, will take on the role of maid of honour. Adding a unique and personal touch to the celebrations, the couple has planned a special 'roast-and-toast' segment during the wedding festivities. Their loved ones will either lovingly roast them or emotionally toast them. They’re extremely excited and looking forward to it,” said a source.

Fashion remains a key highlight of the wedding. The source adds, “All bridesmaid outfits have been designed by Nupur’s label and feature an aqua, Tiffany blue–inspired shade. Kriti’s outfit has been given a special touch to make it stand out.”

Music and nostalgia will also take centre stage. “Nupur and Kriti will be performing together to two fun songs at one of the events. These are special songs that they both used to dance to as kids, which are close to their hearts,” the source revealed. Designer Manish Malhotra has designed outfits for the entire Sanon family for the celebrations, including the main ceremony on January 11.

“Happy, positive, fun,” rattled off Kriti Sanon, describing the mood on the Cocktail 2 set. Earlier this week, the actor wrapped up the shoot of Homi Adajania’s directorial venture, which teams her up with Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.

“I wanted a movie like Cocktail 2, especially after Tere Ishk Mein, which was so intense and heavy. I wanted to be in this light, fun, rom-com space. Things fell in place at the right time,” she said, smiling.

For Sanon, Cocktail 2 is a mix of something old and something new. While it reunites her with Shahid Kapoor after Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024), it also marks her first collaboration with Adajania.

Reflecting on working with the director, she said, “Homi has this fun energy and coolness that he brings to his characters and movies. He likes to find his characters. He does not want them to be perfect; he wants them to make mistakes and do things that real people do, and still be cool. It has been an absolute mad ride.”

Even as she looks forward to opening 2026 with the rom-com, Sanon is equally grateful for how 2025 shaped up. She had a sole release in Aanand L Rai’s Tere Ishk Mein, which crossed the Rs 100 crore mark in early December.

“When a film’s critical appreciation is combined with box-office numbers, that is the best thing anyone associated with the film can ask for.”

The movie may be widely debated for its depiction of toxic love, but to Sanon, it will remain special as it gave her Mukti.

Expressing her love for the character, she said, “Mukti has been one of my most layered characters to date. A lot is unspoken; a lot is [implied] between the lines and [through] the eyes. That’s where the character can come across as grey. But the fact that she is flawed makes her relatable. While shooting, Aanand sir told me, ‘My story lies in Mukti’s conflict and dilemma’.”

‘Cocktail 2’ reunites Kriti Sanon with Shahid Kapoor after ‘Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya’. “It was amazing working with Shahid, since I was a human being this time,” joked Sanon, who played a robot in their first outing.

On Sunday, actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s security were forced to create a human chain around her, after fans broke barricades to click a selfie with her at a store inauguration in Hyderabad. Last Wednesday, Hyderabad Police booked a mall and the event’s organizers after actor Nidhhi Agerwal was mobbed and manhandled by fans while trying to leave the venue. On November 30, actor Dhanush had to step in to save his co-star Kriti Sanon from being mobbed by an overenthusiastic crowd at a screening of their film in Mumbai.

The list of celebrities being mobbed seems to keep growing, with negligence being highlighted.

So, why do such lapses happen, despite the organizers having prior knowledge about the presence of public figures and anticipation of a large crowd? Security experts and industry insiders weigh in on the concerning issue.

At events like in colleges, we employ 20 bouncers, but the numbers don’t matter as much as smartness. Once the celeb is on stage, we never disclose their exit venue, or else people start crowding the gates. That seems to be what happened in recent cases.

I visit the event location to figure out security and do recce myself. There’s always plan A and a secret plan B for situations like mobbing. With female celebs especially, zyaada dhyaan rakhna padta hai.

The only issue here is that people try to save a little money. And security is about brains more than brawn. With female celebs, it is trickier, not just in India but worldwide. The negative intentions of some people towards a female star is more.

In 2013 in Gurugram, I had to literally run away with hundreds chasing me. Such incidents are traumatising. It comes as a part of the profession, but it is scary and affects you for years. I am not saying organisers don’t do their bit, but then things go out of hand.

Actor Shahid Kapoor has now kickstarted the Delhi NCR shoot of his upcoming project Cocktail 2, co-starring Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna. We were the first to report that the Homi Adajania directorial will be shot in Delhi and Gurugram from November 11 to November 20.

Now we have exclusively learnt that the shoot is happening in premises of a mall in Gurugram’s Sector 58, contrary to reports that it has been delayed to December. A source tells us, “Yes, it’s true. Cocktail 2 is currently being shot in Gurugram. The premises of the mall have been secured for the shoot.” While Shahid landed in the city earlier this week, Kriti reportedly arrived two days back.

Several chaat and street food stalls have been set up to establish the scene. Also, a video of Shahid from the sets, donning a maroon shirt, has surfaced on social media.

Earlier, a source told us that the crew of the film has secured the sets to battle Delhi’s poor AQI. From air purifiers in vanity vans and rooms to wearing masks on sets, the production is going all out for a safe and productive shoot time. “There will also be water sprinklers on sets and they will be used every day before shoots to ensure a safe environment,” said the source.

The AQI in Delhi NCR remained on the severe category on Saturday, crossing 400 mark in several areas.

Actors Shahid Kapoor, Kriti Sanon and Rashmika Mandanna are gearing up for the Delhi leg of Cocktail 2, which kicks off this month. We have learnt that the production team has made special arrangements for the outdoor schedule, with the Capital’s AQI crossing 300.

“Special precautions are taken, especially for outdoor shoot. Water sprinklers have been installed and will be used every day in the area for better air quality. Masks will be provided to everyone on sets. There will also be air purifiers in vanity vans and rooms where scenes will be shot,” a source tells us.

Contrary to earlier reports of a month-long shoot, the Delhi schedule will be from November 11 to 20, with scenes planned in Chhatarpur, Gurugram and other locations in South Delhi. The cast recently wrapped up the Europe leg of shoot.

Directed by Homi Adajania, the film is a spiritual sequel to his 2012 hit Cocktail, starring Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Diana Penty.

For almost a year, there has been buzz that Kriti Sanon will reunite with filmmaker Aanand L Rai after Tere Ishk Mein for Nayi Naveli. Now, mid-day has learnt that the cast may have an addition — Yami Gautam. Trade insiders reveal that the makers have been quietly assembling the film’s team over the past few months, and are keen to have Gautam as the parallel lead.

Nayi Naveli is said to draw from Indian folk tales, blending mythology with modern storytelling. A trade source reveals, “Rai has been particular about the story’s tone — he wants it to feel rooted in Indian folk tradition, but have a big-screen fantasy appeal. Casting Kriti was the first step because she has the acting prowess and star presence required for the role. She will be seen as part-folklore heroine, and part-mystical warrior. Now, they are in talks with Yami for a meaty role. The two actors haven’t shared screen space before, and that novelty will grab eyeballs,” says the source.

Though the director has yet to be finalized, the team is working towards taking the project on floors in December. For now, the production team is working out the lead actors’ dates. 

An insider says, “Kriti is occupied with Tere Ishk Mein promotions throughout October, while Yami is tied up with Haq, which releases in early November. If Yami comes on board, the idea is to begin workshops and costume trials by November so that the shoot can start in December.” A chunk of Nayi Naveli will be shot in Mumbai, followed by a North India schedule.

Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon has purchased a sea-facing luxury duplex penthouse in a residential tower Supreme Prana in plush Pali Hill locality in Mumbai’s Bandra west suburb for over Rs 78.20 crore.

The apartment spread over a carpet area of 6,636 sq ft is spread across the 14th and 15th floors, the topmost levels of the under-construction development. The deal is valued at around Rs 1.18 lakh per sq ft, making it one of the costliest property transactions in the city’s suburbs.

The actor has paid Rs 3.91 crore towards stamp duty charges for the transaction that was registered on Thursday. She has paid over Rs 84.16 crore for the property including the Goods & Services Tax (GST) and other charges.

Sanon has purchased the apartment directly from the project’s developer Supreme Universal along with her mother as the joint owner of the property, showed the documents reviewed by ET.

The deal has attracted 1% lower stamp duty of 5% as the homebuyers are women. In 2021, the government of Maharashtra had announced a 1% concession in prevailing stamp duty for female homebuyers.

As part of the agreement, Sanon will get exclusive access to a total six car parking slots in the upcoming tower. The agreement also provides her exclusive access to an open terrace spread over 1,209 sq ft on the 15th floor.

Last year too, Sanon had invested in a land parcel in a premium plotted development project in Alibaug near Mumbai.

ET’s email query to Sanon’s team and Supreme Universal remained unanswered until the time of going to press.

In recent years, Bollywood celebrities have increasingly turned to real estate as both a lifestyle upgrade and a long-term investment strategy. From luxury apartments in Mumbai’s prime localities to sprawling second homes in Alibaug, Goa, and Dubai, the trend reflects a mix of personal use and portfolio diversification.

On the morning of April 28, Salman Khan announced on Instagram that The Bollywood Big One, his upcoming shows in the UK, was postponed in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22. 

The superstar’s post read, “In light of the recent tragic events in Kashmir, and with profound sadness, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone The Bollywood Big One shows... We feel it is only right to pause during this time of grief.”

Scheduled to take place at Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on May 4 and OVO Arena in Wembley on May 5, the shows were to include performances by Salman, Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Madhuri Dixit-Nene, and Tiger Shroff, among others. 

mid-day has learnt that the decision was taken by Salman after a long meeting with brother Sohail Khan, organisers Jordy Patel and Farhath Hussain, on Sunday.

An insider shares, “Rehearsals had begun and the shows were a sell-out. But on Sunday, Salman called for a meeting at his Panvel farmhouse, where Sohail and Jordy were in attendance while London-based organiser Farhath joined over a video call. The superstar was clear that given the tragedy the country is going through, the timing was not conducive to host such a show. The organizers understood that the move would incur losses as both the venues were sold out, and there was high anticipation among the fans as Salman was to perform in the UK after a long time. But they unanimously agreed that rescheduling the tour was the respectful and right thing to do.”

We’ve heard that the two shows may happen in August, but the final decision will be taken only later. For now, the ticket holders will be issued refunds.

When mid-day reached out to Patel, one of the organizers, he said, “It was a big event, and we had got an excellent response from the audience, but that is fine. The shows will happen only when the time is right. It may be sometime in August, but only after everything settles down. It was a decision taken by all of us as we felt it wasn’t correct to go there and perform when such a big tragedy had taken place in our country. The current sentiment doesn’t allow us to perform. The money will be refunded to the ticket holders.”

Chhaava director Laxman Utekar’s start to 2025 was what most filmmakers dream of. With the blockbuster behind him, the director is setting the stage for his next. This time, he is said to have gone back to the leads of his maiden Hindi directorial venture, Luka Chuppi (2019). We’ve heard that Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon and Utekar may reunite for a hard-hitting love story, which will be backed by Dinesh Vijan.

A source shares, “The story is currently being developed. It has the flavour of hinterland India that Laxman does so well, but this time he is exploring an intense subject, unlike Luka Chuppi that offered a light-hearted take on live-in relationships.”

Exciting as the prospect of their reunion may be, Aaryan and Sanon’s busy calendars could pose a challenge. Aaryan, who is currently shooting Anurag Basu’s next, will dedicate the remaining year to Naagzilla and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri. Meanwhile, Sanon has Tere Ishk Mein, a film with Shahid Kapoor, and reportedly Don 3 in her kitty.

“Dates will be the real problem. If all goes well, the project could roll early next year. A decision will be taken after August when the final draft is ready,” adds the source. Kriti Sanon’s last collaboration with director Laxman Utekar was Mimi (2021), which earned her the National Award.

Announce a Salman Khan concert, and his fans make a beeline to see him in action. This time, the superstar’s admirers have even more reason to be excited about his upcoming show. Khan will be joined by Madhuri Dixit-Nene as they headline The Bollywood Big One shows that are scheduled to take place in the UK. It will be held at the Wembley Stadium in London on May 4, and at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester on May 5. Performances by Varun Dhawan, Kriti Sanon, Sara Ali Khan, Disha Patani, Sunil Grover and Maniesh Paul are also part of the line-up.

The shows promise to be a trip down memory lane as Khan and Dixit—last seen on screen in Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam (2002)—will perform to hit numbers from their ’90s offerings. A source says, “They will groove to their chartbusters from Saajan [1991], Dil Tera Aashiq [1993], Hum Aapke Hai Koun [1994], and Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam.”

It turns out their recent recreation of a scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun on Bigg Boss 17 sparked the idea for the stage show. “In January 2024, Madhuri was a guest on the Salman-hosted Bigg Boss 17 finale. There, the two recreated a romantic scene from Hum Aapke Hain Koun. They have always had great chemistry on screen, and seeing the love pouring in from the audience for the episode, the organisers decided to rope them in.”

The Bollywood Big One shows were originally scheduled for 2023, but were postponed because of logistical issues in the aftermath of the pandemic. The source adds, “Varun, who is currently shooting for Border 2, plans to complete his portions by April and fly out for the show in May.”

Meena Kumari’s life story will finally find its place on the silver screen. It may be recalled that earlier, couturier-turned-producer Manish Malhotra had planned to back and direct a biopic on the late actor, but he shelved the Kriti Sanon-starrer last year (‘I am not doing Meena Kumari’s biopic’, Nov 26). Now, director Siddharth P Malhotra has set the wheels in motion for Kamal Aur Meena, which chronicles the stormy relationship between Kumari and her filmmaker-husband Kamal Amrohi.

Rumours are rife that Sanon is a strong contender for this ambitious project as well, while some sources suggest that Kiara Advani is the first choice.

The film is in its early stages of pre-production, with lyricist-writer Kausar Munir expected to deliver the screenplay and the final dialogue draft by February-end. A source reveals, “Kamal Aur Meena is an emotionally charged story. Casting will be locked in March. It’s not just about looking the part; the lead actor needs to portray Meena’s poetry, pain, and resilience. The film will roll only by summer because it will take time to create the on-screen world and costumes required for the period drama.”

It remains to be seen who between Sanon and Advani bags the Bilal Amrohi production that will play out over two decades, with the focus on how the actor-filmmaker duo made Pakeezah (1972). When mid-day reached out to Malhotra, he said, “We have not met any actors, male or female, so far.”

Actor Kriti Sanon recently opened up about how the exhausting demands of film promotions can take a toll on an artiste’s mental health.

“Promotions can be very tiring. I almost had a breakdown when I was promoting Bhediya (2022),” she revealed during a recent episode of YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, adding, “That year, I had two or three other releases, so I had already done promotions two or three times before.”

The 34-year-old highlighted the hectic itineraries followed by the cast during promotions: “We were travelling to different cities back-to-back. We even took a charter at night, jumping cities, sleeping at night, going to another city, doing interviews and repeating the same things again and again. I wished I could have my answers on a tape recorder. Like, dial 1 for this question and 2 for another. By the end of it, both Varun (Dhawan, co-actor) and I had memorized each other’s answers.”

Sanon also recounted her breakdown on the final day of the promotions while getting ready for an appearance on a reality show: “I was getting ready in my vanity van. And during some random conversation, I started crying. I said, ‘I’m very tired; I can’t do this. I’m exhausted.’ Everyone around me froze. Of course, it affects your mental health. Whenever you’re doing things that internally don’t make you happy or you don’t enjoy doing, then you get stressed,” she said. 

A t the ongoing IFFI 2024, Kriti Sanon spoke about a myriad of topics, inlcuding her love for filmmaking and nepotism not being an industry-specific phenomenon.

Expressing her views on nepotism, Kriti said, “The industry has given me a very warm welcome since the time I came. Of course, when you don’t belong to a film background, it takes time for you to get there, to get the opportunities you crave for. It takes time for you to even get those magazine covers. But after 2-3 films, if you keep working hard and if you are at it, nothing can stop you. Ye jo hum nepo kids-nepo kids karte rehte hain, I feel, it’s not just the industry that is responsible for nepotism, it is also the media and the audience. The audience wants to watch what the media is putting out about certain star kids and because they are interested in them.”

Kriti added, “People in the industry feel like the audience is interested in them, so, let’s make a movie here. It’s a circle. But I believe, if you are talented, eventually, you will get there; no matter where you come from. If you’re not talented, you won’t go beyond 4-5 films.”

Kriti shared that she was advised against taking on Mimi by many people. “Still, I chose it because the script touched my heart. For me, that’s the most important factor while selecting a film,” she said, adding, “There’s a lot of chatter around actors. A lot of people tell you what to do, what not to do. I’ve gone through all of that. I’ve listened to many things, but I’ve also realised that the success or failure of a film at the box office is not in my control. There are certain films that haven’t worked, and that’s broken my heart. But if you ask me whether I’d go back and do the same film again – I would, because I enjoyed the journey of it.”

She elaborated, “Sometimes, (let’s say), my agent says I should do a film because great people are involved, or it might collect Rs. 100 crores. That Rs. 100 crore is not in my hands. But if your heart’s not in it, and that film doesn’t work – toh ek toh hear tbreak hota hi nahi hai kyunki tha hi nahi dil wahan pe. Upar se lagta hai kyun kara? There is no formula, there will never be.”