As Kriti Kharbanda completes 16 years in the film industry, her career stands as a testament to quiet perseverance, versatility, and unshakable self-belief. From her debut in Telugu cinema to carving a niche in Bollywood and embracing the digital platform, Kriti’s journey hasn’t followed the trajectory of overnight stardom—it’s been built through consistent risks, bold choices, and relentless reinvention. Here’s a look at five calculated yet courageous moves Kriti took that defined her unique journey in Indian cinema.
Starting Her Career in South Indian Cinema Without Knowing the Language
Kriti made her acting debut in 2009 with the Telugu film Boni opposite Sumanth. As a Delhi girl with no prior experience in South Indian cinema or knowledge of the language, entering an unfamiliar industry was a major leap of faith. But Kriti embraced the challenge with grace, immersing herself in the craft despite linguistic and cultural differences. Her efforts bore fruit, especially with her breakout role in the Kannada blockbuster Googly (2013), where her natural charm and emotive performance made her a household name in the South.
Transitioning to Bollywood After Establishing Herself in the South
At a time when Kriti had already built a steady fan base in Kannada and Telugu cinema, she made the bold decision to switch to Bollywood—a move that meant starting from scratch in an even more competitive landscape. Her Hindi debut in Raaz: Reboot (2016) wasn’t just any film; it came with the pressure of reviving a successful horror franchise. Rather than playing it safe, Kriti chose to experiment with a mix of genres—horror, comedy, romance, and drama—right from the start. This risk didn’t guarantee instant stardom, but it helped her grow a diverse filmography and earn credibility as an actress willing to explore and evolve. Now she is gearing up for her most awaited OTT debut with the thriller Rana Naidu season 2, where she has explored a dark, complex and layered role.
Taking on Complex Female Characters in Mid-Budget Films
Unlike many of her contemporaries chasing star-studded spectacles, Kriti often leaned toward content-driven cinema. A prime example is Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), where she played Aarti Shukla—a small-town woman torn between her personal dreams and societal expectations. The film didn’t ride on blockbuster appeal but became a sleeper hit, thanks in large part to Kriti’s nuanced performance. She proved that even in a mid-budget romantic drama, authenticity, and emotional depth can resonate with audiences and ensure a film’s longevity. This move cemented her place as a serious performer, not just a pretty face.
Being Public About Her Relationship in an Image-Driven Industry
In an industry that often treats personal relationships as PR liabilities—especially for actresses—Kriti made the bold decision to be open about her relationship with actor Pulkit Samrat. Instead of dodging questions or masking her private life, she embraced it with maturity and confidence. The two have often supported each other on and off-screen, challenging the stereotype that actresses in relationships lose desirability or fan appeal. Kriti’s openness proved that embracing love publicly isn’t a weakness; it’s a powerful statement of self-assurance in an image-obsessed world.
What truly sets Kriti Kharbanda apart isn’t just her beauty or talent—it’s the silent courage with which she has consistently taken the path less traveled. Her journey has never been about loud headlines or formulaic success. Instead, it’s about thoughtful choices, personal growth, and a refusal to be boxed in. With 16 years behind her and many more ahead, Kriti continues to prove that true strength lies in authenticity, reinvention, and quiet resilience.