Mumbai, May 10, 2026 – In a candid and revealing interview, critically acclaimed actor Kriti Sanon has shed light on the pervasive challenges faced by individuals from outside the traditional film fraternity, and the deeply entrenched gender disparity that continues to plague the Bollywood industry. Sanon, who has carved a significant niche for herself over the past decade, including a prestigious National Award for her powerhouse performance in "Mimi" (2021), spoke with unflinching honesty about the hurdles of being an "outsider" and the subtle yet significant manifestations of patriarchy within the world of cinema.
The actor’s reflections come at a time when discussions around industry inclusivity and equitable treatment are gaining significant traction. While Sanon has achieved considerable success, her journey, as she articulates, has been one of relentless effort and strategic navigation, often in the face of systemic biases. Her willingness to address these sensitive topics openly offers a valuable glimpse into the realities faced by many aspiring and established actors who lack familial connections within the film world.
The "Mimi" Milestone and the Shadow of Uncertainty
Kriti Sanon’s portrayal of a surrogate mother in "Mimi" remains a watershed moment in her career. Winning the National Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role was not just a personal triumph but also, as she described it, a validation of her capabilities. The film, released during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and transitioning to an online premiere, resonated deeply with audiences, solidifying Sanon’s position as a leading actress.
"The biggest was ‘Mimi,’ and the love that it received because it was the first project that I shouldered," Sanon shared in an interview with GQ. "We were living in a very uncertain time of the Covid-19 pandemic; the film was meant to be released in theatres, but it ended up being streamed online instead. It garnered so much love, and the National Award [for Best Actress in a Leading Role] was one of the highest points of my career."
However, the success of "Mimi" did not entirely erase the lingering anxieties and frustrations that preceded it. Sanon candidly admitted to experiencing periods of profound discontent prior to the film’s release, stemming from a perceived underutilization of her talent and potential.
The Outsider’s Struggle: Losing Out to Star Kids
Sanon’s journey as an outsider in Bollywood is a narrative echoed by many in the industry. She detailed instances where promising roles, which she felt were within her grasp and suited to her capabilities, ultimately went to individuals with established film lineage. This experience, she stated, was a significant source of frustration and highlighted the inherent uncertainty faced by those without a cinematic background.
"Before ‘Mimi,’ I went through phases of frustration… wanting to do more, knowing I was capable of more, but lacking opportunities," Sanon revealed. "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."
This sentiment underscores a persistent critique of nepotism in Bollywood, where family connections often appear to provide preferential treatment and a smoother ascent. For actors like Sanon, every opportunity is a hard-won battle, requiring not only talent but also resilience and strategic career management. The lack of a ready-made support system or established industry contacts means that every project, every audition, and every professional interaction carries a greater weight of consequence.
The Unseen Hand of Patriarchy: Gender Disparity in Fees and Treatment
Beyond the challenges of nepotism, Kriti Sanon also delved into the pervasive issue of gender disparity within the film industry, a problem she described as "deeply ingrained." Her observations, backed by her personal experiences, shed light on how patriarchal norms manifest in tangible ways, affecting everything from remuneration to on-set protocols.
Sanon highlighted the financial disparities, noting how female actors’ fees are often negotiated downwards when budgets need to be trimmed, even as substantial portions of the budget are allocated to male actors. "There’s been some struggle around money," she explained. "When they (producers) have to cut corners, they often negotiate down the female lead’s fee, even though a large chunk of the budget goes to the male actor."
This disparity is not merely a matter of financial negotiation but a symptom of a deeper-rooted bias that undervalues the contributions and marketability of female stars. The narrative that male actors are inherently bankable or command greater box office draw continues to influence decision-making, despite evidence to the contrary from numerous female-led films that have achieved commercial success.
Subtle Biases on Set: The ‘Ready First’ Syndrome
The actor further elaborated on how patriarchy manifests in subtler, yet equally significant, ways on film sets. She pointed to the common practice of prioritizing the readiness of male actors over their female counterparts, often to avoid making the male star wait. While seemingly minor, this unconscious bias perpetuates a hierarchy where male convenience is implicitly placed above female efficiency.
"Patriarchy is still deeply ingrained in the industry, and we have to keep shaking things up to move towards equality," Sanon urged. "It shows up in the smallest ways, too. For instance, there’s often a tendency on a film set to check if the female actor is ready first, so the male actor doesn’t have to wait. It’s subconscious, but it needs to change."
These seemingly small adjustments in on-set logistics reflect a broader societal conditioning that often places men at the center. Sanon’s emphasis on the "subconscious" nature of these biases suggests that they are not always deliberate acts of discrimination but rather ingrained habits and assumptions that require conscious effort to dismantle.
The Early Career Battles: Demanding Equal Respect
Sanon also spoke about the difficulties of asserting herself early in her career. The power dynamics in Bollywood can be daunting for newcomers, especially those without industry backing. She recalled instances of inequitable treatment, such as a male co-star, who was not necessarily senior in experience, receiving preferential treatment in terms of amenities like transportation.
"I’ve always tried to stand up for myself, but early in my career, it was difficult to voice everything," she admitted. "I remember small things, like a male co-star, who wasn’t a senior, getting a better car. Of course, it wasn’t about the car, but about being respected equally. Most producers and directors today are progressive, but these biases still exist."
Her experience underscores the importance of advocating for oneself, even in the face of potential repercussions. The pursuit of equal respect is not just about tangible benefits but about fostering an environment where all individuals are valued and treated with dignity, regardless of their gender or background. While acknowledging the progressive outlook of many contemporary filmmakers, Sanon’s assertion that these biases persist serves as a crucial reminder that the fight for equality is an ongoing one.
Looking Ahead: Kriti Sanon’s Upcoming Endeavors
On the professional front, Kriti Sanon is gearing up for her next release, "Cocktail 2," a Homi Adajania directorial. The film, which also features Rashmika Mandanna and Shahid Kapoor, is slated for a June 19, 2026 release. This project, like many of her previous ones, will undoubtedly be watched with keen interest, not only for its entertainment value but also for Sanon’s continued contributions to a more nuanced and representative cinematic landscape.
Her outspokenness on nepotism and gender disparity positions her as a significant voice within the industry. By sharing her personal journey and observations, Kriti Sanon is not just recounting her experiences but actively contributing to a broader dialogue that aims to reshape the future of Bollywood, making it a more equitable and inclusive space for all aspiring artists. The impact of her candid reflections is likely to resonate far beyond the silver screen, inspiring a new generation of talent to challenge the status quo and advocate for a fairer industry.
