Kriti Sanon: The Bollywood Outsider Who Defied All Odds

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Bollywood, often seen as an exclusive club dominated by insiders, can be daunting for outsiders. However, Kriti Sanon, an actress who began as a complete outsider, has made her mark in the industry, proving that talent can shine even without connections.

The Rise of Kriti Sanon

Kriti made her acting debut in Heropanti (2014), opposite Tiger Shroff, son of veteran actor Jackie Shroff. Despite her engineering background, she quickly captured audiences’ attention, establishing a successful career in the film industry.

Early Challenges and Triumphs

Kriti’s path to success was not smooth; she faced numerous rejections, including remarks that she was "too good-looking" to be an actress. Reflecting on her early struggles, she shared, “There were days when I was annoyed and irritated… some told me I had to have imperfections to look real on screen.” Yet, her resilience and the belief of her supporters motivated her to persevere.

Bollywood Breakthrough

Today, Kriti ranks among the most celebrated actresses in Bollywood. Her notable films include:

• Dilwale (2015) alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol
• Bareilly Ki Barfi
• Luka Chuppi
• Housefull 4

Her standout performance in Mimi (2021) earned her the prestigious National Film Award. Recently, she starred in Do Patti and is set to appear in the upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein.

Kriti Sanon’s Entrepreneurial Spirit

Launching Hyphen: A Skincare Brand

In 2023, Kriti ventured into entrepreneurship by launching her skincare brand, Hyphen. Co-founding the brand with PEP Technologies—known for the successful brand mCaffeine—Kriti’s venture achieved remarkable success:

• ₹100 crore in sales within its first year
• Crossed ₹400 crore in sales within two years
• Attracted 4 million customers, quadrupling from 1 million last year

Kriti described her experience building Hyphen as “incredible,” emphasizing her gratitude for her consumers: "Watching it grow from an idea into a brand that so many of the consumers now trust and love — still feels surreal."

Fitness Venture: The Tribe

Before Hyphen, Kriti launched The Tribe, a fitness venture inspired by her experience gaining weight for her role in Mimi. Upon realizing how challenging it was to get back in shape during the pandemic, she decided to create a platform to help others. The first The Tribe fitness studio opened in Juhu in 2022, followed by a second location in Bandra in 2024.

Investment in Real Estate

Kriti has made significant investments in real estate, solidifying her status as a smart investor:

• Recently moved into a lavish apartment in Sandhu Palace, Bandra, with a monthly rent of ₹17 lakh.
• Acquired a 2,000 sq ft plot in Alibaug worth over ₹2 crore, located in a high-end seaside project.

Current Net Worth

As of last year, Kriti Sanon’s net worth is estimated at around ₹82 crore.

Kriti Sanon’s journey from outsider to A-list celebrity and entrepreneur demonstrates the power of perseverance, talent, and innovation. As she continues to expand her ventures in both film and business, she stands as an inspiration for many aspiring actors and entrepreneurs alike.

For more on the latest in Bollywood, check out Bollywood Hungama and The Times of India.

Kriti’s story serves as a testament to the fact that with dedication and the right mindset, anyone can carve their own niche, even in the competitive world of Bollywood.