Kriti Sanon, born on July 27, 1990, in New Delhi, is a name synonymous with versatility and charm in Bollywood. From her debut in 2014 to winning a National Film Award for her stellar performance in Mimi, Kriti has carved a unique path in Indian cinema. Known for her radiant screen presence and ability to shift seamlessly between glamorous and grounded roles, she’s a celebrated actress, producer, and entrepreneur. With her production house, Blue Butterfly Films, and a skincare brand, Hyphen, Kriti is redefining what it means to be a modern Bollywood star. Her journey from an engineering graduate to a household name is a testament to her talent, resilience, and ambition.

Early Life and Education

Growing up in a middle-class Punjabi family in New Delhi, Kriti was raised by her father, Rahul Sanon, a chartered accountant, and her mother, Geeta Sanon, a physics professor at Delhi University. Her younger sister, Nupur Sanon, is also an actress and singer, and the siblings share a close bond. Kriti’s childhood was marked by a balance of academics and creativity. A shy yet studious student, she excelled at Delhi Public School, RK Puram, and later pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida. Despite securing two job offers, her heart was set on the world of glamour. Kriti’s passion for dance, particularly Kathak, and her early modeling stints for brands like Close Up and Himalaya set the stage for her cinematic journey.

Career Beginnings and Breakthrough

Kriti’s entry into films was nothing short of serendipitous. After modeling for events like Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week and Chennai International Fashion Week, she landed her acting debut in the 2014 Telugu psychological thriller 1: Nenokkadine opposite Mahesh Babu. Though the film didn’t fare well commercially, her performance caught attention. That same year, she made her Bollywood debut with Heropanti, a romantic action drama alongside Tiger Shroff. The film’s commercial success and her chemistry with Shroff earned her the Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut, marking her arrival in Bollywood.

Kriti’s career gained momentum with Dilwale (2015), where she shared the screen with Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, cementing her place in big-budget cinema. However, it was her role in Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017) as the free-spirited Bitti that showcased her ability to carry nuanced characters. Her portrayal of a surrogate mother in Mimi (2021) was a game-changer, earning her critical acclaim, a National Film Award, and a Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Kriti’s ability to embody diverse roles—from romantic comedies like Luka Chuppi to intense dramas like Adipurush—has made her a standout performer.

Filmography: Hits and Flops

Kriti has appeared in 18 films as of 2025, with a mix of hits, semi-hits, and flops. Her notable hits include Heropanti (2014), Dilwale (2015), Bareilly Ki Barfi (2017), Luka Chuppi (2019), Housefull 4 (2019), Mimi (2021), Crew (2024), and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya (2024). Crew, a heist comedy with Kareena Kapoor Khan and Tabu, and Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, where she played a robot named SIFRA, both crossed ₹100 crore worldwide. However, films like Raabta (2017), Arjun Patiala (2019), Panipat (2019), Bachchhan Paandey (2022), Bhediya (2022), Shehzada (2023), Adipurush (2023), and Ganapath (2023) underperformed or flopped, with Adipurush facing criticism despite high expectations. Despite setbacks, Kriti’s resilience and selective projects keep her career graph soaring.

Blue Butterfly Films and Production Debut

In 2023, Kriti launched Blue Butterfly Films with her sister Nupur, stepping into the role of a producer. Her debut production, Do Patti, a Netflix thriller directed by Shashanka Chaturvedi, released in 2024 and featured Kriti alongside Kajol, marking their second collaboration after Dilwale. The film, a gripping tale of deception, showcased Kriti’s dual role as an actress and producer, reflecting her vision to tell meaningful stories. She has hinted at exploring directing in the future, aiming to create content for streaming platforms that resonate with diverse audiences.

Upcoming Projects

Kriti is set to star in two exciting projects releasing in November 2025. First, there’s Tere Ishq Mein, a romantic drama directed by Aanand L Rai, slated for release on November 28, 2025. She’s also headlining the Bollywood remake of Kill Bill, directed by Anurag Kashyap, expected to hit theaters in November 2025. Additionally, Kriti will appear in a biopic on Meena Kumari, directed by Manish Malhotra, under his production banner. The project, which explores the life of Bollywood’s ‘Tragedy Queen,’ has generated buzz, though its shooting has been delayed due to script refinements. These roles mark Kriti’s venture into diverse storytelling, promising to showcase her in a new light.

Net Worth and Lifestyle

Kriti Sanon’s net worth is estimated at ₹82 crore ($10 million USD) as of 2024, according to sources like Lifestyle Asia and CNBC TV18. Her income primarily comes from acting, charging ₹4–6 crore per film, with notable fees like ₹3 crore for Adipurush and ₹4 crore for Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya. Brand endorsements for companies like Fossil, Cadbury Fuse, and Titan add significantly to her wealth, with each deal fetching ₹30–35 lakh. Her entrepreneurial ventures, including the fashion label Ms. Taken, fitness app The Tribe, and skincare brand Hyphen, launched in 2023, further boost her finances. Kriti lives in a luxurious ₹31 crore house in Juhu, Mumbai, designed by celebrity architect Priyanka Mehra, and rents a duplex in Andheri owned by Amitabh Bachchan for ₹10 lakh monthly. Her car collection includes an Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 3-Series, and a Mercedes Maybach SUV worth ₹2.43 crore, reflecting her taste for luxury.

Personal Life and Social Impact

Kriti’s personal life is relatively private, though she’s open about being single and focusing on her career. Her close-knit family, especially her bond with Nupur, grounds her amidst Bollywood’s chaos. A trained Kathak dancer, Kriti faced body-shaming for a dance video in 2017 but responded with grace, earning admiration for her confidence. Active on social media (@kritisanon on Instagram and Twitter), she connects with fans through updates on her projects and fashion choices. Kriti’s philanthropy includes supporting education and women’s empowerment, though she prefers to keep these efforts low-key. Her style, often praised by Vogue India and GQ, has landed her on lists like Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 (2019, #38) and GQ’s 30 Most Influential Young Indians (2022).

Why Kriti Shines

Kriti Sanon’s journey is a blend of hard work, versatility, and vision. From turning down unremarkable roles to producing her own films, she’s taken bold steps to shape her career. Her ability to balance commercial successes with meaningful roles, coupled with her entrepreneurial spirit, makes her a role model for aspiring actors. As she continues to explore new horizons, Kriti remains a beacon of talent and determination in Indian cinema.