Kriti Sanon champions women in cinema at panel at IFFI, Goa

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The world of cinema is constantly evolving and it is the trailblazers who continue to lead the way, shaping the future of film. As 2024 has proved, this year is all about breaking barriers and pushing boundaries, and few exemplify this more than actor, producer and entrepreneur Kriti Sanon. On November 25, she was a key speaker at the Netflix session, Empowering Change: Women Leading the Way in Cinema at the 55^th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, where she shared her journey, the evolving role of women in cinema, and her vision for the future of storytelling.

Reflecting on her decade-long journey, Kriti said, “I’ve always felt a warm welcome since entering the industry. Like anything worthwhile, it takes time, but with dedication and hard work, anything is achievable. Talent eventually finds its place, and connecting with the audience is what truly matters.”

Talking about her recent debut production, Do Patti, and on working with Netflix, she added, “I’ve been lucky to be a part of projects that really resonate with audiences. My debut with Netflix was Mimi, and it was such a rewarding experience that opened so many doors. From acting to stepping into producing, it’s been an exciting ride! What I love about platforms like Netflix is how they champion varied content that truly connects with people all over the world. It’s this commitment to fresh and meaningful storytelling that made Netflix the perfect platform for me to explore my new role as a producer and keep pushing creative boundaries.”

Kriti also shared her keenness to work more in South Indian films. “It all comes down to the script. If the story resonates with me, I’m all in.”

Speaking also about the alleged nepotism in another session, she emphasized that “without talent”, a person could last at the most for 4 or 5 films. We keep talking about “nepo kids”, but it’s not just the industry that is responsible for this. It is also the media and the audience. The audience wants to watch what the media is putting out about certain star kids because they get interested in them.”

About her own experience, she said that it takes time to “reach there” as she does not come from a film background. “It even takes time to reach the magazine covers. But after 2-3 films, if you keep working hard and you are at it, nothing can stop you,” she said.

Talking about Mimi, the film that clinched her National Best Actress award for 2021, she revealed that she was advised against taking it up but did so because it touched her heart. “For me, that’s the most important part while selecting a film. Success or failure is not in my control. There are certain films that haven’t worked, but if you ask me whether I would go back and do the same film again, I would, because I enjoyed the journey. There is no formula, there will never be.”

Kriti made her debut in the 2014 Heropanti and has featured in many hits and successes, including Dilwale, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Housefull 4, Luka Chhupi, Pati Patni Aur Woh, Bhediya, Adipurush and Teri Baaton Mein Aisi Uljha Diya in which she portrayed a robot. She played a cameo role in Stree and made her overall debut in the Telugu film, Nenokaddine in the same year as her Hindi debut. Having done a variety of genres including historical and horror, she has done dual roles in Raabta and Do Patti as well.