Bollywood star Kriti Sanon has added yet another milestone to her journey — she has been officially named UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador of Gender Equality. Taking on this role puts her in a powerful
position to advocate for equal opportunities and challenge the everyday stereotypes that continue to shadow women. At the launch event, Kriti spoke with heartfelt candour about the influences that shaped her, the inequalities she witnessed growing up, and the subtle biases she still encounters in the film industry.
A Progressive Childhood, Rooted in Her Mother’s Struggles
In conversation with NDTV, Kriti credited her parents for raising her and her sister in an environment free of gender-based restrictions. Both her parents were working professionals who shared responsibilities at home, ensuring that she never felt confined by traditional expectations.
But the story was very different for her mother. Kriti revealed, “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.”
That struggle, Kriti said, became the foundation for a very different childhood for her and her sister. “Her first thought for me was, ‘Do whatever you want to. Whatever you dream of, go for it.’ That came from her.”
Subtle Inequalities in the Film Industry
Although her childhood was bias-free, Kriti acknowledged that Bollywood opened her eyes to everyday gender inequalities. She admitted that though she hasn’t faced anything extreme, the industry still has a long way to go.
“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 highlighted how ingrained behaviour often goes unchecked. “Sometimes even ADs have a habit of calling the female actor first and waiting for the male actor later. I’ve had to tell them not to do that. The mindset needs to change.”
For Kriti, gender equality isn’t about grand gestures, but about the everyday choices — the kind of fairness that begins at home, in classrooms, on sets, and in workplaces.
On the Acting Front: Don 3 and More
Even as she embraces this global role, Kriti’s acting career is buzzing with big projects. Reports suggest she has been finalised as the female lead opposite Ranveer Singh in Don 3, a fresh on-screen pairing fans are eagerly awaiting. Initially, Vikrant Massey was expected to play the antagonist, but he reportedly stepped out citing dissatisfaction with the depth of his role. Farhan Akhtar’s team is now actively scouting for a new face to bring the con artist character to life.
Meanwhile, Kriti will also star in Aanand L Rai’s romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein, opposite Dhanush. Slated for a November 2025 theatrical release, the teaser has already charmed audiences with glimpses of their chemistry.