Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has been named UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador of Gender Equality. In this role, she will promote equal opportunities and challenge stereotypes that limit women. At the launch event, Kriti spoke to NDTV about her upbringing, the inequalities she saw, and the subtle biases in the film industry.
She credited her parents for raising her and her sister without gender-based restrictions. Both were working professionals who shared household duties, ensuring she felt free to pursue her dreams. However, her mother faced a different reality.
Kriti shared, “My mom grew up in a time when boys were allowed a lot of things that girls were not. Girls were supposed to stay at home, cook, and follow rules. She wanted to learn swimming or dancing, but couldn’t. The only thing she fought for was studying, and she became a professor.” This struggle shaped her mother’s approach, as Kriti recalled, “Her first thought for me was, ‘Do whatever you want to. Whatever you dream of, go for it.’ That came from her.”
While Kriti’s childhood was free of bias, she noticed gender inequalities in Bollywood. She said, “It hasn’t happened too many times, but little things like the male actor getting a better car or a better room… It’s not about the car, but about not making me feel smaller because I’m a woman. Just make it equal.” She also pointed out habits that need changing, like assistant directors calling female actors first and waiting for male actors later. “I’ve had to tell them not to do that. The mindset needs to change,” she said.
For Kriti, gender equality is about everyday fairness at home, school, work, and film sets. Alongside this role, her acting career is thriving. She is reportedly set to star opposite Ranveer Singh in Don 3, a new pairing fans are excited for. Initially, Vikrant Massey was considered for the antagonist role but stepped back due to concerns about its depth. Farhan Akhtar’s team is now searching for a new actor to play the con artist.
Kriti will also star in Aanand L Rai’s romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein with Dhanush, set for release in November 2025. The teaser has already won fans with their chemistry.
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