Kriti Sanon, a successful Bollywood actress who herself comes from a non-film background, has been vocal about the challenges faced by outsiders in the Hindi film industry. Speaking at News18's SheShakti 2025 event in Delhi, Sanon delivered an inspiring message about women supporting each other and the strength of sisterhood. The event brought together influential women from various fields, including politics, business, cinema, and social change.
Sanon has often addressed the disparity in opportunities between star kids and those without industry connections. In past interviews, she has expressed frustration about the limited opportunities available to outsiders, especially early in their careers. She has noted that it takes longer for outsiders to get noticed and that they have to make more effort to reach out to people. Sanon believes that the industry can become more accessible if equal opportunities are created for outsiders, particularly when launching someone from the industry. She suggests that space should also be given to someone who may be more talented but lacks the advantage of a film family.
Despite the challenges, Sanon has emphasized the importance of talent, hard work, and perseverance. She believes that if you are talented and can connect with the audience, you will succeed, regardless of your background. She also acknowledged that audiences and media play a role in creating demand for star kids, perpetuating a cycle.
Sanon's journey in Bollywood serves as a testament to the difficulties faced by actors who do not come from film families. Starting her career with "Heropanti" in 2014, she has gradually carved a niche for herself in the industry. She won the National Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Mimi," a film that also saw her gain weight for the role, demonstrating her commitment to her craft.
Recently, Sanon has also ventured into entrepreneurship, launching her own skincare brand, Hyphen, and a fitness venture, The Tribe. This move allows her to create opportunities for herself and others, further empowering women in the industry. At SheShakti 2025, she was celebrated as a "Shining Creative Star," sharing insights on balancing creativity with enterprise. Sanon also highlighted the importance of women prioritizing themselves and their needs while chasing their dreams.
Sanon's story is one of resilience and determination, proving that it is possible to make it big in Bollywood without a famous surname. Other actors like Deepika Padukone, Kartik Aaryan, Rajkummar Rao, Ayushmann Khurrana, Triptii Dimri, and Vijay Varma have also successfully navigated the industry as outsiders. These stories are fueled by self-belief and a relentless hustle, inspiring others to pursue their ambitions with confidence.