Kriti Sanon: From Engineer to Actress- The Inspiring Journey of an Outsider in Bollywood
Kriti Sanon: From Engineer to Actress
In a superstar-dominated industry, actress Kriti Sanon continues to shine—through her perseverance, talent, and candid reflections on her journey as an outsider. Here’s a comprehensive, in-depth look at how she carved her own space in Bollywood.
From Engineer to Actress: A Non-Filmy Beginning
Kriti holds a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, a foundation she cherishes for the confidence and resilience it instilled. Her technical education, she explains, granted her emotional security and helped her avoid desperation when making career decisions—allowing her to follow passion over necessity.
Debut and Early Years: Earning Every Opportunity
She made her Bollywood debut in Heropanti (2014), not through industry lineage, but by making directors and audiences take notice thanks to a strong performance. Kriti fondly reflects on feeling lucky that the film’s producers offered at-par visibility to both newcomers (Tiger Shroff and herself), giving her an equal launchpad.
Despite the successful debut, Kriti candidly admits there were no shortcuts ahead—no hand-holding, no early fame just because of familial ties:
“It hasn’t been as easy as it would have been… I’d have probably signed my second film before my first released… but the competition is so much today, you need talent to survive.”
The Real Struggle Behind the Glamour
Kriti has spoken about feeling frustrated watching well-connected newcomers grab roles more easily—even when she felt she had just as much, or more potential.
“There was a phase where I was just very restless because I knew that I had way more potential than what I could portray in the opportunities that I had in front of me.”
She also described that early restlessness—born from being underestimated—not as bitterness, but as fuel to keep improving and competing.
Navigating Public Spaces & Networking
Even as she gained popularity, Kriti has remarked that she still sometimes felt like an outsider in social settings:
“You do feel a little out of place… but it becomes better with time… as you keep working … you start feeling like part of the industry.”
She likens Bollywood’s social circles to a “vessel”—one she had to find the right fit for, to fully pour her potential in.
Breaking Through with Mimi & Championing Inclusivity
Her breakthrough came with Mimi (2021)—a role that earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. But beyond that, she used her platform to advocate for fairness in Bollywood.
At IFFI 2024, Kriti called out the “systemic loop” of nepotism—how media, audience attention, and industry collude to favor star kids. “If you stay at it and keep improving, nothing can stop you,” she said—underscoring her belief in merit and persistence above privilege.
A Decade Later: Quiet Pride & Producer Emergence
Ten years into her career, Kriti reflects that the outsider label weighs less now, thanks to recognition earned on merit:
“There was a time I had no one calling for me… but now, I feel I don’t need to prove myself anymore.”
The confidence is reflected in her latest ventures—she’s producing films like Do Patti, stepping behind the camera to create opportunities not just for herself, but for talent like hers.
Summary Table: Kriti Sanon’s Journey
| Phase | Key Insight |
|---|---|
| Education & Security | Engineering degree built self-confidence and allowed passion-driven choices |
| Debut as an Outsider | Earned visibility without using industry connections |
| Frustration & Resolve | Restlessness over missed opportunities became fuel for growth |
| Navigating Social Spaces | Felt outsider even at events—progress came with time and persistence |
| Breakthrough with Mimi | National Award opened the door to impact beyond performance |
| Advocacy & Inclusivity | Advocates for fair opportunities in a nepotism-driven industry |
| Producer & Leader | Evolving into a creator and leader, shaping her path and others’ |
Final Thoughts
Kriti Sanon’s journey in Bollywood is emblematic of a changing entertainment landscape—one where talent, patience, and resilience can rise above entrenched privilege. Her transparency about being an outsider makes her both relatable and an inspiration for many aspiring actors.