Jaipur (Rajasthan), March 9: Actress Kriti Sanon, who won the Best Performance in a Leading Role (Female) for her role in Do Patti at the 25th International Indian Film Academy Awards (IIFA), shared her insights on her journey, upcoming ventures, and global aspirations.
Speaking about the overwhelming reception to Do Patti, Kriti expressed her happiness, saying, “IIFA is a celebration. The nervousness about Do Patti is over now because everyone loved the film.”
When asked about international artists she would love to collaborate with, Kriti said, “It’s a tough choice, but I would love to work with Meryl Streep. Ryan Gosling as well.”
Discussing the ongoing debate around content restrictions on digital platforms, Kriti emphasized the need for a balanced approach, 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.”
Reflecting on her National Film Award win for Mimi, Kriti revealed how it boosted her confidence. “It gives you the confidence to take risks. As an artist, it makes you believe in doing something different. People also start looking at you through a different lens,” she said.
Speaking about her current project, Kriti shared, “I’m shooting for Tere Ishq Mein with Anand L. Rai and Dhanush. The team is waiting for me to return to Delhi. 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.”
On what she would have pursued if not for acting, Kriti, who holds an engineering degree, said, “I would have done something related to the entertainment industry. I don’t know what, but something for sure.”
When asked about her dream South Indian collaborations, she named Allu Arjun and filmmakers S.S. Rajamouli and Sukumar. “I debuted with Sukumar sir, and I would love to work with him again,” she recalled, referring to their 2014 Telugu film Nenokkadine.
Discussing the IIFA’s 25-year journey, Kriti praised the growth of the event, adding, “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.”
For Kriti, awards are a token of appreciation, but the love from the audience remains the greatest reward. “It means you’ve done a good job, but the biggest reward is the love of the audience, which stays with me forever.”
On performing at IIFA, she admitted, “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.”
The IIFA 2025 is currently being held in Jaipur, with the grand IIFA Awards Night taking place on March 9. A special celebration of the iconic film Sholay on its 50th anniversary will feature an exclusive screening at the famous Raj Mandir Cinema. Legendary MMA fighter Anthony Pettis will also make a special appearance, and Kartik Aaryan will host the event. Kareena Kapoor Khan will perform and pay tribute to her grandfather, legendary filmmaker Raj Kapoor, at the awards show.