Kriti Sanon opens up about nepotism and losing roles to star kids: 'I earned every opportunity; nothing was handed to me'

Kriti Sanon has candidly opened up about the struggles and self-doubt she faced while making her mark in Bollywood as an outsider with no industry backing. Amid ongoing conversations about nepotism and the uneven playing field in Hindi cinema, the actress looked back on the challenging phase she experienced before breakthrough projects like ‘Mimi’ brought her both critical acclaim and box office recognition.

Kriti Sanon on fighting for a place in Bollywood

Speaking to GQ, Kriti reflected on the early days of her career, acknowledging that the journey to where she stands today was anything but easy. While she is now recognized for her powerful screen presence and a series of successful films, getting there demanded patience through some deeply discouraging times. Opening up about what it felt like to navigate the industry without any filmy roots, Kriti shared, “Before Mimi, I went through phases of frustration…wanting to do more – knowing I was capable of more, but lacked opportunities. There were roles I came very close to that eventually went to star kids, something that was beyond my control. 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."

Kriti Sanon on the phase when 'nothing was working'

Kriti also talked about a time in her career when things weren't going well. Several films she did didn't perform as she had hoped, and she admitted that some of her decisions turned out to be wrong, leaving her feeling lost professionally during a period when, in her own words, "nothing was working." But instead of seeing those years as a waste, she said they helped her figure out what kind of films and roles she actually wanted.

Kriti Sanon on failure being her biggest teacher

When talking about failure, Kriti kept it real. She said that setbacks taught her more than her successes ever did. Those tough times forced her to pause, think, and come back with a clearer head. The actress felt that she truly grew as an actor during those low phases, becoming more aware, more careful with her choices, and more sure of who she is as a performer.

Kriti Sanon's next: ‘Cocktail 2’ with Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna

On the professional front, Kriti has an exciting release lined up: ‘Cocktail 2’, which sees her starring alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is set to arrive in cinemas on June 19.Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”