Actress Kriti Sanon recently bagged the award for Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) for her film Do Patti at the 25th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), marking yet another high point in her burgeoning career.
Kriti's excitement was palpable as she discussed her win during interviews at the event held on March 9, 2025, saying, "IIFA is a celebration. The nervousness about Do Patti is over now because everyone loved the film." The recognition from such prestigious awards signifies not only her talent but also the appreciation her project has garnered from audiences.
Reflecting on her ambitions for international collaborations, Kriti admitted to having her eyes set on illustrious artists. "I would obviously love to work with Meryl Streep. But there are so many! Ryan Gosling as well," she said, demonstrating her eagerness to expand her horizons within global cinema.
During the interviews, she emphasized the necessity for consistency in content restrictions across all platforms. Kriti advocated for uniformity, stating, "There is censorship in theatres, but digital platforms show international content without any restrictions. So, there should be balance. Either all content should have similar regulations, or none at all, regardless of whether it is from India or abroad." Her stance reflects the growing conversation around media regulation and censorship.
Highlighting another significant achievement, Kriti reminisced about her National Film Award win for her role in Mimi, describing it as tremendous validation of her craft. "It gives you the confidence to take risks," she explained. "People also start looking at you through a different lens," she added, showcasing how accolades motivate her to pursue diverse roles.
Currently, Kriti is shooting for her new film titled Tere Ishq Mein, directed by Anand L. Rai and featuring acclaimed actor Dhanush. "It's a beautiful film—something I haven't done before. Love stories are my favorite genre, and Anand sir does them so well and uniquely. Working with Dhanush for the first time is also very exciting," she shared, hinting at the freshness and depth the project brings to her career.
When posed the question about alternate paths if not acting, Kriti, who holds an engineering degree, mentioned, "I would have done something related to the entertainment industry. I don’t know what, but something for sure." This reveals her deep connection to the field, irrespective of the exact role she might have pursued.
Kriti also expressed enthusiasm for South Indian collaborations and highlighted specific personalities she admires. She named Allu Arjun, as well as filmmakers S.S. Rajamouli and Sukumar. Recalling her roots, she said, "I debuted with Sukumar sir, and I would love to work with him again," referring to the Telugu film Nenokkadine from 2014.
Discussing the evolution of the IIFA Awards, she noted, "IIFA has grown tremendously and continues to showcase Indian cinema internationally. This year, bringing the awards to Rajasthan, with its beauty, dance, music, and palaces, is ideal." Her comments highlight the awards' role not just as recognition, but as cultural celebrations of Indian artistry.
While industry accolades mean a great deal to her, Kriti emphasizes the enduring power of audience support. "It means you've done a good job, but the biggest reward is the love of the audience, which stays with me forever," she stressed, pointing to her intrinsic motivation as an artist.
Addressing her stage performance at the IIFA, Kriti commented on the common nerves performers experience before going live. "I always feel nervous before going on stage because I want to do my best. But once I'm on stage, I forget everything and just enjoy the moment," she admitted, providing insight on the personal challenges faced by many entertainers.
The IIFA 2025 event was not just about awards; it featured various performances and special appearances, including MMA fighter Anthony Pettis and host Kartik Aaryan, with Kareena Kapoor Khan set to perform and pay tribute to her grandfather, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor. This year's ceremony was particularly star-studded, drawing attention to the resilience and creativity of the Indian film industry.
Kriti's reflections, filled with aspirations and grounded perspectives from her experiences at the IIFA Awards and her career so far, paints the picture of an actress not only realizing her dreams but also passionately advocating for the creative industries. With plenty of exciting projects on the horizon and her eyes set on international collaborations, Kriti Sanon's story is one of anticipation, growth, and artistic integrity.