Kriti Sanon has recently shared insights into her initial reservations about portraying the character of Mukti in Aanand L. Rai's Tere Ishk Mein. Despite the film's success at the box office, Sanon confessed that her first reaction to Mukti was far from positive.
Sanon admitted that she didn't initially like Mukti, who falls in love with Shankar (played by Dhanush). She described Mukti as the most layered and tricky character she has ever played. According to Bollywood Hungama, Sanon mentioned that she had always wanted to do a love story with Aanand L Rai. She approached the role with a blank slate, allowing her to discover the character on set.
Tere Ishk Mein is a romantic thriller that explores Mukti's complex journey and her intense relationship with Shankar. The film depicts how circumstances separate the two lovers before their romance can fully blossom.
Sanon has also addressed criticisms of the film's portrayal of flawed women and toxic relationships. She emphasized that Mukti is intentionally written as a flawed individual, shaped by emotional vulnerability and impulsive decisions. Sanon explained that Mukti's complexity lies in her internal conflicts and the consequences of her choices, mirroring real-life emotional relationships. She noted that audiences often demand ideal behavior from fictional characters, whereas storytelling thrives on imperfection and emotional contradictions.
Sanon has defended Mukti's choices, including her decision to give her baby to Shankar. She explained that Mukti's attempt to heal someone else ultimately destroys her own sense of self. She added that Mukti believes she deserves pain and wants to die, especially after the accidental death of Shankar's father.
At the Red Sea Film Festival 2025, Sanon admitted that she constantly monitored the audience's reaction to Tere Ishk Mein. She also revealed that playing Mukti took a toll on her, often leaving her drained. Sanon said both physically and emotionally those scenes were extremely draining. She recalled that her mother would often ask her if she was okay.
