“Trolling Against Women Is Hurtful... We Are Human Too”: Kriti Sanon

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has spoken out about the online trolling faced by women, particularly actresses, and the impact of public scrutiny on their lives. She said she generally chooses to ignore criticism rather than give it unnecessary attention. However, she was taken aback when an outfit she wore in a recent commercial sparked widespread debate and became a topic of a prime-time news panel discussion. The unexpected attention left her shocked, prompting her to respond more firmly than usual. Kriti said that, at that moment, she felt like being perceived as the villain if that meant standing up for herself. She emphasised that the issue extends beyond her, as many women regularly face unwanted comments about their appearance and clothing. According to the actress, such criticism can be deeply hurtful and emotionally affecting. She also stressed that actresses are human beings with feelings and should not have to face constant judgement over their personal choices.

Kriti also expressed optimism about the growing prominence of women-centric films in the Indian film industry. She noted that actresses are increasingly choosing substantial roles in both theatrical releases and OTT projects, reflecting a positive shift in storytelling. The actress revealed that she will soon headline a film as the sole lead and hopes it will achieve the kind of box-office success often associated with male-led projects. She believes that strong audience support for women-led films can encourage the industry to create more opportunities for actresses and develop stories centred on their characters. Kriti added that when a female-led film opens strongly and performs well commercially, it can help change perceptions and influence future filmmaking decisions. Her remarks highlight the importance of challenging gender-based expectations in cinema while encouraging greater recognition for women-led stories.