Exclusive - Kriti Kharbanda recalls being ousted from a big movie once: 'I was replaced after signing the film'

Kriti Kharbanda is seen as Alia Oberoi in Rana Naidu 2

Bollywood actress Kriti Kharbanda, who has been in the film industry for the past 16 years, is currently celebrating the success of her latest OTT series, Rana Naidu 2, on OTT. Kriti has joined the franchise in the second season as Alia Oberoi and she has been winning accolades for her performances.

In an exclusive conversation with Moneycontrol, Kriti looked back at her 16-year-long journey in the industry—starting with the Telugu movie Boni in 2009 and the work she has done till now.

The actress refers to herself as Kriti 2.0 following the success of Rana Naidu 2, noting that her life has taken a positive 360-degree turn.

In Rana Naidu 2, Kriti is considered Alia Oberoi, who is a fierce, emotionally complex woman and confronts the men in power with unapologetic defiance.

During the interview, we inquired if any other actor had ever taken her place during her extensive journey. She said yes, and revealed the heartbreak of being replaced in a major project after being signed.

Kriti also said how OTT has helped her evolve as an actor and a storyteller.

After her debut Hindi movie, 'Raaz Reboot, Kriti had nearly bagged a big-ticket Bollywood film. She auditioned, did multiple screen tests and says she had even signed the contract. And then, it slipped away.

Also Read: Rana Naidu Season 2 Review: Rana Daggubati and Arjun Rampal lead a guilty pleasure full of flaws and firepower

Agreeing to having faced rejections many times, Kriti said, "It has happened multiple times. I still remember, I won't name the film, but it was a very, very big film. This was soon after 'Raaz Reboot' was released. And there was this really huge film that had come to me. I auditioned. I did three or four rounds of auditions. I met with the director. I did a look test with the actor and I had to go to Delhi for my cousin's wedding. I went there and I just got a call saying that, by the way, it's not going to work out. This is after I received my signing amount. So I was like, why, what happened? So they said, No, actually, this other actor became available. So, I was like, oh, what does that mean? They're like, you know what? Relationships work in this industry. I won't lie, I cried. It broke my heart. But I moved on very fast. I move on very fast. I don't hold on to things. But those kinds of things happen. It's very normal. It is a competitive industry at the end of the day. How one gets in, no one cares. You have to get in."

Also Read: 'I wasn’t intimidated by Rana Daggubati and Venkatesh,' says Rana Naidu 2's Kriti Kharbanda | Exclusive

Kriti also said that she’s never used her personal relationships to get ahead in her career.

“I don’t want to be the person who exploits a connection. I won’t let anyone take me for granted either. I’ve earned my place. Nothing fell into my lap.”

From Telugu debut to OTT—it is a journey of reinvention

Kriti’s career, which began in 2009 in Telugu cinema, has spanned Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and now OTT. She considers Rana Naidu 2 a defining new chapter.

"For me, Rana, when I signed it, it was the mark of a brand new beginning of Kriti 2.0 in a way. And it's so funny that the 12th of June is when my debut film was released when I entered the industry. On the 13th of June, I started this new chapter and it was obviously not planned. It was that midnight for me, the 12th midnight. I actually sat in my bed and I gave myself a very random speech about how far I've come and acknowledged everything I've done. And I'm very proud of my journey. I've gotten her with no help whatsoever," she said.

Kriti doesn’t view her initial years as a “struggle” per se, but as part of a long learning curve.

"Everything that's happened to my career, good, bad, or ugly, it's all me. I am very proud to wear all those stars also. And at the same time, I'm very proud to wear the crown also. I've had some movies that I'm extremely proud of. I'm actually proud of all my work. I wouldn't turn it around and say, I wish I hadn't done something, because when I started, it's what shaped me into the person I am today. But it's been a beautiful 16 years. I wouldn't have it any other way. I see myself acting for the rest of my life, along with doing many more things. But I think he is and will always be my first love," she added.

Kriti said she believes OTT is where the most meaningful stories are now being told.

“Movies have aspiration. OTT has representation. These characters reflect real people—their alter egos, their flaws, their pain. I would love to do a biopic next, because a series lets you dive into a life instead of rushing it," said Kriti.

My job is my first love. I even delayed my wedding for it

Married earlier this year to actor Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda admits that nothing—not even her wedding—takes precedence over her craft.

"I love being an actor and I love being on a set. For me, the thrill is not what I'm doing. The thrill is that I'm doing this because this was a dream that came true. I'm one of those few people, I think, in the world who feels passionate about her career. I went late to my own wedding for the sake of my work. I am that girl that two days after my wedding, I'm sitting and binge-watching shows because I have to get into Rana Naidu 15 days later. And I don't have time to work on it if I don't put in the work now. I was supposed to go for my own wedding but I sent my then fiancé (Pulkit Samrat) alone. I told him I'll come tomorrow. I said, I have my readings. So, I have no regrets. I love it. I absolutely love my job. So it's not about what I'm doing. I know it sounds like a very politically correct answer, but the truth is I am just happy being on a set," said Kriti.

Kriti Kharbanda has emerged as one of the most grounded, articulate, and quietly powerful voices in the Indian entertainment industry.

And with the second season of Rana Naidu earning her rave reviews, it’s clear: it is just the beginning.