Imagine being a complete novice, stepping onto a film set and finding yourself face-to-face with Bollywood royalty. Kriti Sanon, now a major star, knows exactly what that feels like. At the Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia, she shared a heartwarming anecdote about her early days, revealing how Shah Rukh Khan made her feel welcome even when she felt completely out of her depth. But here's where it gets interesting...
During an "In Conversation" session at the festival, a simple mention of Shah Rukh Khan by an audience member triggered a flood of memories for Sanon. She recounted her experience on the set of Rohit Shetty's "Dilwale," emphasizing Khan's exceptional kindness and old-school charm. "Chivalry isn't dead," she declared, praising his attentiveness and respect for everyone on set. She elaborated that Khan gives you his complete focus when he speaks to you, highlighting his intelligence, wit, and the genuine respect he shows to everyone, regardless of their role. The audience responded enthusiastically, a testament to Khan's enduring popularity and Sanon's engaging storytelling.
Sanon's journey to Bollywood wasn't exactly planned. She openly discussed her transformation from a dedicated engineering student to a successful model and, eventually, a sought-after actress. Modeling, she explained, started as a hobby, a side project that unexpectedly opened doors to television commercials and film opportunities. "Sometimes life happens," she remarked, encouraging aspiring artists to stay alert and seize the opportunities that come their way. It's a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths lead to the greatest destinations.
The conversation frequently circled back to "Mimi," the 2021 comedy-drama that proved to be a turning point in Sanon's career. In the film, she played a woman who chooses to be a surrogate mother for a foreign couple. This role not only earned her India's National Film Award for best actress, but also profoundly impacted her perception of her own potential. "'Mimi' gave me a bigger canvas," Sanon explained. "It opened something in me as an actor. After that film, I didn't feel the need to prove anything, and that allowed me to take more risks in the work I chose." And this is the part most people miss... "Mimi" wasn't just an award-winning performance; it was a catalyst for self-discovery and artistic liberation.
This newfound willingness to embrace risk has continued to shape her career choices, most recently her appearance in "Tere Ishq Mein," a project she's excited to see gaining international recognition. When she asked the audience how many had seen the film, she was met with a sea of raised hands, eliciting a surprised and delighted laugh. "Love stories are back," she proclaimed, suggesting a shift away from the recent dominance of action films. She lauded director Aanand L. Rai for his commitment to portraying flawed, complex characters. Sanon also expressed her appreciation for the evolving depiction of women in cinema, emphasizing that today's female characters are allowed to be multi-dimensional and imperfect. "Women aren't just damsels in distress anymore," she stated. "Women are also flawed. And they are also being loved as flawed characters. Because they're just as real and as human as men."
The audience's enthusiasm remained palpable throughout the session. During the Q&A, numerous fans eagerly sought to ask multiple questions, request selfies, and even, in one memorable instance, serenade Sanon with a song. Sanon handled it all with grace and humor, expressing her gratitude for the overwhelming love and admitting that she was still processing the experience of attending the region's largest film festival for the first time.
But here’s a question to ponder: Do you agree that audiences are ready for a resurgence of love stories after years of action-packed blockbusters? And do you think the portrayal of flawed female characters is a positive step forward in cinema, or does it risk perpetuating negative stereotypes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
