Kriti Sanon: From Tech Graduate to Leading Lady of Indian Cinema
Kriti Sanon, born on July 27, 1990, in New Delhi, is among the few Bollywood actors who have transitioned from a non-film background into mainstream cinema with remarkable success. Standing tall at 5 feet 8 inches, Kriti is not just a face of glamor, but also a symbol of dedication and smart career choices.
Academic Brilliance Meets Artistic Flair
Raised in a well-educated Punjabi family, Kriti is the daughter of Rahul Sanon, a chartered accountant, and Geeta Sanon, a physics professor at Delhi University. Her academic journey led her to the Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, where she earned a degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering.
Despite her technical background, Kriti’s natural flair for the camera found early expression through television commercials for brands like Closeup, Amul, Samsung, Bata, and Vivel. Her graceful presence and expressive face quickly caught the attention of casting agents, setting the stage for her leap into films.
Cinematic Debut and Meteoric Rise
Kriti made her silver screen debut in the Telugu action thriller 1: Nenokkadine (2014), opposite superstar Mahesh Babu. Her performance was well-received, marking a confident start to her cinematic career. In the same year, she entered Bollywood with Heropanti, directed by Sabbir Khan. The film was a commercial hit, and Kriti’s powerful screen presence earned her the IndyaStory Award for Best Female Debut.
This success was followed by appearances in several notable Hindi films. In 2015, she starred in Dilwale, directed by Rohit Shetty and co-starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. The film was one of the highest-grossing Indian movies globally that year.
She continued to deliver engaging performances in Raabta and Bareilly Ki Barfi in 2017, the latter winning her widespread acclaim. In 2019, she played the female lead in the romantic comedy Luka Chuppi opposite Kartik Aaryan, further strengthening her position as a versatile performer.
Multi-Faceted Talent and Awards
Kriti is known not just for her acting skills, but also for her stylish fashion sense. She was awarded the HT Style Award for Most Stylish Youth Icon (Female) in 2017 and the Filmfare Glamour and Style Award for Future of Fashion the same year.
In 2018, she received the Dadasaheb Phalke Excellence Award for her heartfelt performance in Bareilly Ki Barfi. Her work in period films like Panipat and experimental cinema like Mimi (2021) proved her ability to adapt to both mainstream and performance-driven roles.
A Voice of the New Generation
Kriti has been candid about the challenges of entering Bollywood as an outsider. Reflecting on nepotism and the industry’s dynamics, she has said, “Everyone has their own journey. It hasn’t been as easy as it would have been, had I been born in a film family.” Her honesty resonates with aspiring talents who see in her a symbol of possibility.
What’s Next for Kriti?
As of 2025, Kriti continues to remain one of the most in-demand actresses in the Hindi film industry, balancing commercial success with meaningful roles. She’s also rumored to be exploring production and writing, hinting at her future behind the camera.
About IndyaStory Magazine
This exclusive profile is brought to you by IndyaStory magazine as part of its ongoing series spotlighting India’s most influential cinema icons. All content is original, SEO-optimized, and created in accordance with 2025 digital publishing guidelines.
