Kriti Kharbanda

Kriti Kharbanda
Kharbanda in 2025
Born	(1990-10-29) 29 October 1990 New Delhi, India
Alma mater	Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College
Occupation	Actress
Years active	2009–present
Spouse(s)	Pulkit Samrat ( m. 2024)

Kriti Kharbanda (born 29 October 1990) is an Indian actress who works predominantly in Hindi, Kannada and Telugu language films. Kharbanda is a recipient of several accolades including a SIIMA Award, and nominations for two Filmfare Awards South.<ref>"Exclusive! When Kriti Kharbanda witnessed the power of stardom, down south". The Times of India. 9 February 2022. Retrieved 8 August 2022.</ref>

After beginning her career as a model, Kharbanda made her acting debut in the Telugu film Boni (2009) and her Kannada debut with Chirru (2010). Following a few unsuccessful films, she received the SIIMA Award for Best Actress - Kannada nomination for portraying a medical student in Googly (2013) and for Super Ranga (2014), winning the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada for the latter.<ref>Ujala Ali Khan (8 August 2015). "Dubai hosts fourth South Indian International Movie Awards". The National. Abu Dhabi. Retrieved 8 August 2020.</ref> She portrayed an IAS aspirant in Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015), for which she received Filmfare and SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu nominations. Kharbanda's other successful films include the Kannada films, Tirupathi Express (2014), Belli (2014) and Minchagi Nee Baralu (2015).

Kharbanda made her Hindi film debut with Raaz: Reboot (2016) and played a PCS Officer in Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017), which proved to be her breakthrough. Her other notable Hindi films include Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018), Housefull 4 (2019), which is her highest-grossing release, Taish (2020) and 14 Phere (2021). She earned further praise for her streaming debut Rana Naidu (2025).

In addition to her acting career, Kharbanda is a prominent celebrity endorser for various brands and products. She also support a number of causes. Kharbanda is married to actor Pulkit Samrat.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda completes 12 years in Indian cinema, boyfriend Pulkit Samrat calls her an 'inspiration'". The Tribune. Retrieved 13 June 2021.</ref>

Early life and education

Kriti Kharbanda was born on 29 October 1990<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda on turning 27: I honestly think age is just a number". Mid-Day. 1 November 2017.</ref><ref name=toi>"Kriti Kharbanda hosts a Halloween themed birthday bash". The Times of India. Retrieved 20 May 2018.</ref> in a Punjabi Hindu family in New Delhi.<ref>"I am okay with kissing onscreen: Kriti Kharbanda". Rediff.com. Retrieved 22 December 2018.</ref><ref>"Actress Kriti Kharbanda Profile, Movies and Photos". Movie Raja. Retrieved 11 November 2016.</ref><ref name="newindianexpress1">Reddy, Maheswarari. "Kriti Kharbanda on flops, fairness & future". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 5 September 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> She has a younger sister Ishita Kharbanda and a younger brother Jaiwardhan Kharbanda, who is the co-founder of Paper Plane Productions. She moved to Bangalore in the early 1990s with her family.

Kharbanda was educated at Baldwin Girls' High School, Bangalore, and at the Bishop Cotton Girls' School, Bangalore.<ref>"Even if I have a day off, I come running back to Bengaluru: Kriti Kharbanda". The New Indian Express.</ref> She was graduated from Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College, Bangalore.<ref name="newindianexpress1" /> She also holds a diploma in jewellery designing.<ref>M. L. Narasimham (1 October 2010). "Angling for the entertainer tag". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref>

According to her, she was very active in cultural activities during school and college.<ref name="newindianexpress1" /> As a child, she was also featured in a number of advertisements and she continued modelling while in school/college, stating that she "always loved doing TV commercials".<ref name="southscope1">"'People who tried to pull me down, are now claiming credit for my success' -Kriti Kharbanda". Southscope.in. 2 May 2013. Archived from the original on 17 October 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> Her prominent modelling campaigns during her college days were for Bhima Jewellers, Spar, and Fair & Lovely. Her photo on the Spar billboard caught the attention of NRI director Raj Pippala who was looking for a heroine for his film, and that paved the way for her acting career.<ref name="newindianexpress1" /> She said that she had initially no plans of becoming an actress and that it was only because of her mother's encouragement that she considered it seriously.<ref name="southscope1" />

Career

Early career (2009–2012)

Kharbanda at the Filmfare Awards South

After being seen on the Spar billboard, Kharbanda was cast in a lead role for the Telugu film Boni opposite Sumanth.<ref name="newindianexpress1" /> Boni received negative reviews but fetched Kharbanda a positive response. While Sify wrote, "Kriti was a good choice and she had no tense moments despite her debut. Her looks are gorgeous and she has a lot of future if she plays her cards correctly",<ref>"Movie Review : Boni". Sify. Archived from the original on 8 August 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> Radhika Rajamani of Rediff.com wrote, "Kriti Kharbanda looks fresh and pretty and manages to play the part of Pragati in a fairly convincing way. She may have to work on her expressions a bit in future, though".<ref>"Boni: Quite a mish-mash". Rediff.com. 12 June 2009. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> Although the film was unsuccessful at the box office,<ref name="thehindu1">y. sunita chowdhary (3 April 2011). "Pretty woman". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref><ref>"Set for a long inning". The Hindu. 9 July 2009. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> She landed a prominent role in the Pawan Kalyan film Teen Maar. Her next release, however, was her debut Kannada film, Chirru. Her performance was mostly well received, with The Times of India writing that she "excels in her performance".<ref>"Chirru movie review: Wallpaper, Story, Trailer at Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> and Indiaglitz.com stating that she "is very pretty and her expressions are good". IANS wrote that she "looks ravishing in song sequences" and "is good at dancing".<ref>"'Chirru' – well made entertainer (Kannada Movie Review)". Sify. 20 November 2010. Archived from the original on 8 August 2015. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> The film was a hit at the box office, and Kharbanda stated that it got her recognition and "a fair amount of admiration in the industry", resulting in her being offered numerous projects in Kannada.<ref>"I demand what I deserve: Kriti Kharbanda – IBNLive". Ibnlive.in.com. Archived from the original on 20 August 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> However, she took a long time to sign her second Kannada film,<ref>"Kriti signs two Kannada films". Sify. 2 November 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2011. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> until October 2011, when she signed up for four films in a single month.<ref name="dnaindia1">Sunayana Suresh (16 October 2011). "Kriti Kharbanda to romance Prem in her new film 'Adda' & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref>

In 2011, Kharbanda was seen in a guest role in the successful Telugu romantic comedy Ala Modalaindi,<ref name="thehindu1" /> before Teen Maar was released. She appeared in "retro scenes" in Teen Maar in which she had to "replicate heroines from the 70s" and revealed that she also chose the costumes and jewellery she wore in the film.<ref name="thehindu1" /> The film turned out to be an average grosser.<ref>Teen Maar Box Office CollectionsAndhra Box Office</ref> The following year, she acted in Mr. Nookayya alongside Manoj Manchu in Telugu, and in Prem Adda, a remake of the Tamil film Subramaniapuram, in Kannada.<ref>"Prem Adda review: Lacks native elements". Sify. 11 December 2012. Archived from the original on 16 December 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> The latter film featured her in a "completely de-glam" role, with the actress stating that her fair complexion posed a problem to her as she played a small town girl from the 80s.<ref name="dnaindia1" /> She called Girija the most challenging character she had played till then, since it required a no-makeup look, get a tan and walk barefoot to attain "a raw look" like the role demanded.<ref>Shruti I L (21 October 2012). "I'm taking off where Swati left: Kriti Kharbanda & Updates at Daily News & Analysis". Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> For the film, she also designed her costumes along with her mother.<ref name="southscope1" />

Career progression and critical acclaim (2013–2019)

Kharbanda had four releases in 2013, two each in Telugu and Kannada. Her first release was Kannada film Galaate opposite Prajwal Devaraj.<ref>"Another name bites the dust". The New Indian Express. 12 January 2013.</ref> A critic for Times of India stated that she gives life to her role.<ref>"GALAATE MOVIE REVIEW: It manages to entertain despite choosing the tested formula". The Times of India. Retrieved 14 May 2016.</ref> In her next Telugu film, Bhaskar's Ongole Githa opposite Ram Pothineni, she played a "typical town girl",<ref>m. l. narasimham (30 December 2012). "Colourful and hot". The Hindu. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> Karthik Pasupulate mentioned, "Kriti looks cute and does a decent job of holding her own despite playing a character with little scope to do any acting."<ref>"ONGOLE GITHA MOVIE REVIEW: It's a typical "mass entertainer" that's made with a touch of class!". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 February 2013.</ref> Her next release was Kalyan Ram's Om 3D, the first 3D action film in Telugu cinema, both films did not perform well at the box office.<ref>"Om 3D teaser is out". Sify. 16 January 2013. Archived from the original on 18 November 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2013.</ref>

Kharbanda at an event in 2013

Kharbanda's career in Kannada, however, saw an upswing with the romantic comedy Googly, her last release of the year. She portrayed a medical student Swathi opposite Yash. Her performance was lauded by critics with G. S. Kumar stating, "Kriti has given life to her character."<ref>"Googly movie review". The Times of India. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> A critic of Sify in particular, praised Kharbanda, calling her "The heart and soul of the movie...who emerges triumphant on the big screen with some fine acting".<ref>"Movie Review : Googly". Sify. Archived from the original on 24 July 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref> The film went on to collect over ₹15 crores at the box office, emerging as the third highest-grossing Kannada film of the year.<ref>A Sharadhaa (30 December 2013). "Sandalwood Report Card". The New Indian Express. Bangalore. Archived from the original on 2 January 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref><ref>"2013– A sneak peek into Sandalwood's box office". Sify. 24 December 2013. Archived from the original on 27 December 2013. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref><ref>Suresh, Sunayana (24 June 2014). "I'm married to movies, but I'm having an affair: Kriti Kharbanda". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 April 2019.</ref> She stated that she received a lot of offers after Googly including two Bollywood projects that she had to refuse since she was too busy shooting for her previously signed films.<ref>Desai, Dhwani (30 October 2014). "People started taking me seriously with Belli: Kriti Kharbanda". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref> The film earned her SIIMA Award for Best Actress – Kannada nomination.<ref>"South Indian International Movie Awards 2013". siima.in. Archived from the original on 28 May 2016.</ref>

Following Googly's success, Kharbanda had three Kannada releases in 2014: Her first release was Tirupathi Express, a remake of the Telugu film Venkatadri Express. She played a techie opposite Sumanth Shailendra.<ref>A Sharadhaa (2 April 2014). "Sanju Has a Blind Date". The New Indian Express. Bangalore. Archived from the original on 5 June 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref><ref>"Kriti Kharbanda's Tirupati Express is a remake". The Times of India. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2020.</ref> Shashi Prasad noted, "Kriti who has struck hat-trick opportunities after her Googly success, makes another 'beautiful' comeback while filling the much needed glamour quotient."<ref>"Movie review 'Tirupathi Express': It's a comedy express". Deccan Chronicle. 6 September 2014. Retrieved 4 November 2020.</ref> She then appeared in Super Ranga opposite Upendra, playing a modern girl Naina. Her performance fetched her positive reviews and S. Viswanath of Deccan Chronicle noted, "Kriti, simply adores the screen with her beauty and in the real sense, the beautiful kick for the audience."<ref>"Movie Review 'Super Ranga': A repetition of Upendra's mannerism in his recent films". Deccan Chronicle. 21 September 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.</ref> For the film, she earned the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress - Kannada, alongside nominations for Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Kannada and SIIMA Best Actress – Kannada award.<ref>"Filmfare South Kannada nominations 2014". The Times of India. 4 June 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref><ref>"Kannada award winners at SIIMA". The Times of India. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref> Kharbanda's final release of the year was Belli opposite Shiva Rajkumar. IB Times's critic found her to be "a treat to watch".<ref>Joy, Prathibha (28 February 2014). "Kriti Kharbanda in Shivarajkumar's Belli?". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.</ref><ref>"'Belli' Movie review". International Business Times. 31 October 2014.</ref> Super Ranga was a box office success,<ref>"Uppi's Super Ranga Movie Box Office Collection". The Hans India. Retrieved 21 September 2014.</ref> while Belli became a box office average.<ref>"'Belli' Movie Box Office Collection". The Hans India. Retrieved 31 December 2014.</ref>

Kharbanda's first release in 2015 was opposite Diganth in Minchagi Nee Baralu. She received special praise for her performance, with Sunayana Suresh stating that she's the "biggest plus point of the film".<ref>"Minchagi Nee Baralu Movie Review". The Times of India. Retrieved 9 April 2021.</ref> She next portrayed an IAS aspirant in the Telugu film Bruce Lee: The Fighter co-starring Ram Charan.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda is excited about her film with Ram Charan". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref> A critic from Sify found her to be "apt" in her role.<ref>"Bruce Lee- The Fighter". Sify. Archived from the original on 17 October 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2021.</ref> The film was a box office average.<ref>"Bruce Lee The Fighter box office collection: The actioner is Ram Charan's highest opener till date". India Today. 18 October 2015. Retrieved 9 January 2021.</ref> She earned nominations for Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu and SIIMA Award for Best Supporting Actress – Telugu for the film.<ref>Dundoo, Sangeetha Devi (16 October 2015). "Bruce Lee: All that gloss". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 9 January 2021.</ref> In 2016, Kharbanda expanded to Hindi films with Raaz Reboot opposite Emraan Hashmi and Gaurav Arora.<ref>"South actress Kriti Kharbanda in 'Raaz 4'". The Times of India. 19 November 2015. Retrieved 9 April 2021.</ref><ref>"Emraan Hashmi to shoot 'Raaz 4' at 'world's most haunted forest'". mid-day. 29 January 2016.</ref> The film received mixed reviews and was a box office failure.<ref>Hungama, Bollywood (17 September 2016). "Box Office: Worldwide Collections and Day wise breakup of Raaz Reboot – Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 18 September 2016. Retrieved 16 December 2016.</ref>

Kharbanda had four film releases in 2017: She first made her Tamil film debut opposite G. V. Prakash Kumar in Bruce Lee.<ref>Karthik, Janani (16 January 2017). "Kriti Kharbanda opposite GV in Bruce Lee". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref> It received negative reviews from critics.<ref>Mandal, Manisha (17 March 2017). "Bruce Lee honest movie review: G.V. Prakash Kumar and Kriti Kharbanda's film fails to impress the critics!". India News, Breaking News, Entertainment News | India.com. Retrieved 9 May 2020.</ref> The same year, she played the lead in Maasthi Gudi a Kannada film, opposite Duniya Vijay.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda enters the Maasti Gudi!". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 2 March 2016.</ref><ref>"Maasthi Gudi Movie Review". The Times of India. 12 May 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2017.</ref> Kharbanda also starred in two Hindi films. Firstly in the comedy drama Guest iin London opposite Kartik Aaryan.<ref>"Paresh is Kartik's Unwelcome Guest". Mumbai Mirror. 14 July 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2016.</ref> Firstpost's Renil Abraham noted, "Kartik Aryan and Kriti Kharbanda looks good and plays the role well. They've been styled well too."<ref>"Guest Iin London movie review: Paresh Rawal's flailing comic timing can't save this directionless film". Firstpost. 7 July 2017.</ref> She next portrayed a PCS officer in the romantic comedy Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana opposite Rajkummar Rao.<ref>"Rajkummar Rao and Kriti Kharbanda's reel wedding is worth Rs. 2 crore". Bollywood Hungama. 4 May 2017. Retrieved 14 May 2017.</ref> She received mentions for her performance. A critic from Bollywood Hungama wrote that she does a much better job here than her previous Hindi releases.<ref>"Movie Review: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana". Bollywood Hungama. 10 November 2017. Retrieved 20 December 2017.</ref> While Rachit Gupta of Filmfare stated that she gave her career's "best performance" in the film.<ref>"Movie Review: Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana". Filmfare. 12 November 2017. Retrieved 22 December 2017.</ref> Guest iin London failed at the box office, while Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana was a moderate success.<ref>"Box Office: Worldwide collections and day wise break up of Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana". Bollywood Hungama. 11 November 2017.</ref>

Kharbanda had four releases in 2018 too. Her first appearance was in Karwaan opposite Dulquer Salmaan.<ref>"Karwaan advantage". 4 August 2018. Archived from the original on 5 August 2018. Retrieved 5 August 2018.</ref> Renuka Vyavahare found her to be "likeable" in her special appearance.<ref>"Karwaan Review: Brilliant performances by Mithila and Irrfan". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 August 2018.</ref> She next played the lead in the Kannada film Dalapathi opposite Prem.<ref>"Prem and Kriti Kharbanda in Prashant Raj's next". The Times of India. 1 May 2014. Retrieved 29 May 2014.</ref><ref>Joy, Prathibha (12 May 2015). "Kriti Kharbanda returns after a break". The Times of India. Retrieved 28 September 2015.</ref> A critic from Times of India praised her and stated, "Kriti looks like a million bucks, and one wonders why we don't see her on screen as often in Kannada films, given how she effortlessly charms the audience."<ref>"Dalapathi Movie Review by TOI". The Times of India. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 19 September 2019.</ref> Her next releases was Veerey Ki Wedding opposite Pulkit Samrat, where she played a Punjabi girl.<ref>Divya Goyal (1 February 2018). "Veerey Ki Wedding Trailer: Pulkit Samrat And Kriti Kharbanda's Film Is Meh". NDTV. Retrieved 20 February 2018.</ref><ref>"Official Trailer: Veerey Ki Wedding". February 2018 – via YouTube.</ref> Critic from Hindustan Times said that she as Geet is "effervescent and pretty", but sadly is "limited" by a badly written script. She delivers what is expected of her.<ref>"Veerey Ki Wedding movie review: Pulkit Samrat, Kriti Kharbanda's archaic and tiresome affair". Hindustan Times. 3 March 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2018.</ref> Her final release that year was Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se opposite Bobby Deol, where she played a Gujarati surgeon.<ref>"Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se teaser: Dharmendra, Sunny and Bobby Deol promise a 'Fun-jabi' film". The Indian Express. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 31 July 2018.</ref><ref>"Box Office: Worldwide collection and days wise break up of Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se". Bollywood Hungama. September 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2018.</ref> Jyoti Sharma Bawa wrote, "Kriti plays a Gujarati surgeon who loves her booze and should have had her license revoked a long time back."<ref>"Yamla Pagla Deewana Phir Se movie review: This film is injurious to your health". Hindustan Times. 31 August 2018. Retrieved 31 August 2018.</ref> The film had poor box office returns.<ref>"Box Office: Worldwide collection and days wise break up of Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se". Bollywood Hungama. September 2018. Archived from the original on 2 September 2018. Retrieved 1 September 2018.</ref>

Kharbanda in 2018

Kharbanda starred in two comedy ensembles in 2019. Her first release of the year was the reincarnation comedy Housefull 4, where she portrayed Rajkumari Meena and Neha opposite Bobby Deol and Riteish Deshmukh.<ref>@kriti_official (25 September 2019). "Kaise Rajkumari Meena aur Neha ki kismat unke saath ek anokha khel khelti hai! Jaanne ke liye dekhiye #Housefull4 Trailer on 27th September" (Tweet). Retrieved 25 September 2019 – via Twitter. </ref> It became her highest grossing release with a worldwide gross collection of ₹296 crore and was the year's fourth highest grossing release.<ref>Singh, Shalu (2 April 2018). "Akshay Kumar starrer Housefull 4 earns Rs 200 crore even before its shooting! Here's how &#124; Bollywood News – India TV". India TV News.</ref><ref>Sengupta, Sreeparna (25 October 2019). "Housefull 4 Movie Review : Not so full of comedy". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 October 2019.</ref> Monika Rawal Kukreja opined, "Kriti Kharbanda brings freshness to the screen but, her poor dialogue delivery is distracting."<ref>"Housefull 4 movie review: This Akshay Kumar, Kriti Sanon film is uneven but funny". Hindustan Times. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.</ref> Later that year, she appeared in Anees Bazmee's Pagalpanti alongside Pulkit Samrat, playing a gangster's daughter.<ref>"John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, Ileana D'Cruz, Kriti Kharbanda to start shooting for Pagalpanti in London". Mumbai Mirror India Times. 13 February 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.</ref> Critic from Bollywood Hungama noted, "Of all the heroines, Kriti Kharbanda gets to play an interesting character and she does justice."<ref>"Pagalpanti Movie Review: Fails to raise the desired amount of laughs due to lazy writing". Bollywood Hungama. 22 November 2019. Retrieved 22 November 2019.</ref>

Expansion and streaming projects (2020–present)

Kharbanda's only release in 2020 was Bejoy Nambiar's Taish opposite Jim Sarbh and Pulkit Samrat, which released on ZEE5 as a feature film and six-episode series.<ref name="auto">"Bejoy Nambiar's Taish to premiere on ZEE5 in October". Outlook India. Retrieved 28 September 2020.</ref><ref>"Taish mini-series & movie review: TAISH rests on an interesting storyline with some fine performances". Bollywood Hungama. 31 October 2020.</ref> Pallabi Dey Purkayastha mentions, "Kriti, Sanjeeda and Saloni play three very different women standing at three crucial junctions in their respective lives. As Arfa, Kharbanda is a sucker for love and the peacemaker of the livid gang."<ref>"Taish Movie Review: Taish is timely, stylish and has an important life lesson to impart". The Times of India.</ref> In 2021, she appeared in ZEE5's 14 Phere, directed by Devanshu Singh opposite Vikrant Massey, playing a Jatt girl Aditi.<ref>"Vikrant Massey and Kriti Kharbanda's 14 Phere to release on July 23 on Zee 5". India Today. 5 July 2021. Retrieved 5 July 2021.</ref> Stutee Ghosh of The Quint wrote, "Kriti Kharbanda as Aditi, has a very thinly written character sketch, but she manages to be charming throughout."<ref>Ghosh, Stutee (23 July 2021). "Review: '14 Phere' Can Be Watched but It's Difficult to Care About". TheQuint. Retrieved 27 July 2021.</ref><ref>"14 Phere Movie Review: A family comedy that begins strong, finishes weak". The Times of India. Retrieved 25 July 2021.</ref>

Following a four year hiatus from screen, Kharbanda expanded to web with the second season of Rana Naidu, where she played an ambitious entrepreneur opposite Himanshu Malhotra and Rana Daggubati.<ref>"Rana Daggubati, Kriti Kharbanda team up for an upcoming entertainer". News18. 10 June 2024. Retrieved 12 September 2024.</ref> Sangeetha Devi Dundoo stated, "Kriti is a notable addition, portraying a morally ambiguous character with ease."<ref>"Rana Naidu 2 series review: An improved season, even if not consistently smarter". The Hindu. Retrieved 14 June 2025.</ref> Mayur Sanap noted, "The most enjoyable of all is Kriti's scheming woman who is just so nonchalant about her nasty ways. It's a delicious character and Kriti plays her with complete relish."<ref>"Rana Naidu 2 Review: Good Looking Mess". Rediff.com. Retrieved 14 June 2025.</ref> Kharbanda will next appear in Abir Sengupta's Risky Romeo opposite Sunny Singh.<ref>"Sunny Singh and Kriti Kharbanda to headline Abir Sengupta's neo-noir comic tragedy Risky Romeo". Bollywood Hungama. 29 August 2023. Retrieved 31 August 2023.</ref>

Personal life

Kharbanda met actor Pulkit Samrat in 2018 and they eventually started dating in 2019. The couple has worked together in the films — Veerey Ki Wedding, Pagalpanti and Taish.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda says she's dating Pulkit Samrat, says she wanted her parents to know first". Hindustan Times. 18 November 2019. Retrieved 9 April 2021.</ref><ref>Raghuvanshi, Aakanksha. "Pulkit Samrat's birthday wish for girlfriend Kriti Kharbanda is all about "Balcony dates and campfire movie nights"". NDTV. Retrieved 29 October 2020.</ref> After being in a relationship for five years, the couple got engaged in 2024.<ref>"Exclusive - Pulkit Samrat and Kriti Kharbanda are now engaged, pics from roka ceremony out". India Today. Retrieved 31 January 2024.</ref><ref>"Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat wedding: Here's a look at their love story, net worth and more". Financial Express. Retrieved 15 March 2024.</ref> Kharbanda married Samrat in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony, on 15 March 2024, in Manesar, Haryana.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat tie knot, share first pics from wedding: 'Through the low and high, it's only you'". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 16 March 2024.</ref><ref>"Pulkit Samrat-Kriti Kharbanda are now married. Couple shares first wedding pics". India Today. Retrieved 16 March 2024.</ref>

Kharbanda has a keen interest in pole dance and is often seen practicing it. She says, "Pole dance has become a part of not just my fitness, but also my meditation."<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda: Pole dancing is not just a part of my fitness but also my meditation". The Tribune India. Retrieved 11 July 2021.</ref>

Off-screen work

Kharbanda decided to sponsor the education for 30 girls through her association with the NGO "Shiksha Seva Foundation", that works at educating girl child, on her 30th birthday in 2020.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda celebrates her birthday as she takes the responsibility of 30 girls study expences". ABP News. Retrieved 30 October 2020.</ref> She has also worked associated with an NGO that works towards the cause of animals, especially during summer, by providing them water and shelter.<ref>DNA Entertainment. "Kriti Kharbanda fights for animal cause". DNA India. Retrieved 11 September 2020.</ref>

Kharbanda has been associated with Celebrity Cricket League.<ref>"Beauty, brawn ... and then there was cricket". The Hindu. 5 June 2011. Retrieved 22 January 2012.</ref> Since 2011, she has supported "Karnataka Bulldozers" and other teams at the league. All the seasons of the league aim to create awareness about a social issue.<ref>"It's celebrity cricket league next". The Times of India. 25 May 2011. Archived from the original on 17 November 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2012.</ref><ref>"About Us – CCL Social Initiative". Celebrity Cricket League. cclt20 Pvt Ltd. Archived from the original on 31 May 2011. Retrieved 9 March 2012.</ref> In 2022, Kharbanda indulged in an interactive session with actor Chris Hemsworth on "holistic wellbeing".<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda and Chris Hemsworth to talk about wellbeing this Thursday". Times of India. 14 October 2020. Retrieved 11 December 2022.</ref> She has ramp walked in the Lakme Fashion Week and has been the cover model for several magazines.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda to walk for Sweta and Priyangsu at Lakme Fashion Week". India TV. 17 August 2018. Retrieved 20 August 2018.</ref><ref>"Kriti Kharbanda: On The Covers". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 28 July 2022.</ref>

She has been outspoken on issues such as feminism. She said, "We say all are just equals. I believe there cannot be any discrimination between man and woman or that one of them can function without the other. However, I also believe women are stronger in terms of dealing with their emotions."<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda on feminism". Deccan Chronicle. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 15 November 2021.</ref>

Controversy

Kharbanda had criticised actress Hina Khan for her comment on "South Indian" actresses. Khan said, "South makers like to cast women who are on the heavier side". On this, Kharbanda lashed out at the actress and said, "Hina Khan is a very big name on television. That is not how you talk about people. There is no need to (say such things on national television). It's rather unfortunate that an actor is talking like that, and an actor of that caliber, that too." She also wanted to slap the actress for her comment.<ref>"When Kriti Kharbanda wanted to slap Hina Khan for her 'bulging' comment on South actresses". India Today. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.</ref>

Artistry and public image

Kharbanda in 2025

Kharbanda has established herself as one of the most popular celebrities in Kannada cinema.<ref>"Top Kannada actress who are also popular in other film industries". The Times of India. Retrieved 22 December 2016.</ref><ref>"Star Power Actress: Kriti Kharbanda". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2020.</ref> Post her film debut, she was termed "ebullient, beautiful and promising".<ref>"I demand what I deserve: Kriti Kharbanda". News18 India. 17 August 2012. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 14 October 2018.</ref> Following the success of Googly, she became a sought-after actress in Kannada cinema.<ref>"Kriti Kharbandha turns busy bee!". Sify. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 30 May 2014.</ref> Kharbanda feels the film "changed her career overnight". She termed it as her favourite and said, "It's my favourite because I enjoyed working on that film. I felt I could do justice to the character and the character did justice to me."<ref>Chetana Divya Vasudev. "I can't wait for 'Googly' to happen to me again". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 22 July 2018.</ref> In 2013, she was ranked 8th in Top Sandalwood Actresses List.<ref>"Top Sandalwood Actresses of 2013". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 12 November 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2019.</ref>

Firstpost find her to be "a perfect blend" of solid acting chops, expressive face, arresting glamour, and a dazzling screen presence.<ref>"Happy Birthday Kriti Kharbanda: 10 times the actress slayed with her Instagram posts". Firstpost. 29 October 2022. Retrieved 31 October 2022.</ref> Kharbanda feels Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana is a film that "changed her life".<ref>Tribune Lifestyle. "And good things happened: Kriti Kharbanda on the film that changed her life". Tribune India. Retrieved 20 July 2019.</ref> Kharbanda is known to be "extremely detail-oriented", when it comes to her craft.<ref>Tribune Lifestyle. "Kriti Kharbanda: Attention to detail". Tribune India. Retrieved 25 August 2018.</ref> On her work style, Kharbanda said that she is "grateful to have reached a position in her career", where she can refuse work that doesn't excite her and "rely on her instincts while choosing characters".<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda: Finally have an option to say no and will make most of it". India TV News. 19 July 2021. Retrieved 31 December 2022.</ref> On getting typecast, she said,

"It's going to help me grow as an actor. Go ahead, typecast, I don't have any issue. Everyone who's looked at being typecast negatively, you've been challenged to outdo your own previous performance. That's the best kind of competition when you're competing with yourself".<ref>Entertainment (5 November 2019). "Kriti Kharbanda has no issues in getting typecast". India TV News. Retrieved 15 November 2019.</ref>

Kharbanda's rise to popularity resulted in her being voted Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women of 2013 and 2015.<ref>"Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2015". Times of India. 24 January 2017. Retrieved 11 August 2017.</ref><ref>"Kriti says first love is Kannada cinema". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 3 June 2014. Retrieved 20 July 2020.</ref><ref>"Happy Birthday Kriti Kharbanda: All the Lesser-known facts about the Taish actress". Mid Day. Retrieved 22 November 2019.</ref> In the same list, she was placed 2nd in 2012, 3rd in 2014,<ref>"Meet the Bangalore Times Top 25 Most Desirable Women 2012". Times of India. 20 May 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2013.</ref><ref>"Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women 2014, Asha Bhatt tops the list". Times of India. 16 April 2015. Retrieved 20 April 2015.</ref> 2nd in 2017 and 7th in 2018.<ref>"The Queens of Desire: Here are the top 30 winners of the Bangalore Times Most Desirable Women". Times of India. 3 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2018.</ref><ref>"Bangalore Times' Most Desirable Women of 2018: The queens of desire". Times of India. 16 February 2019. Retrieved 26 September 2019.</ref> She is subsequently featured in the Times' 50 Most Desirable Women List. She ranked 32nd in 2017, 37th in 2018, 18th in 2019<ref>"EXCLUSIVE – MEET THE TIMES 50 MOST DESIRABLE WOMEN 2019". The Times of India. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.</ref> and 27th in 2020.<ref>"The Times Most Desirable Woman of 2020: Rhea Chakraborty – Living through a trial by fire, gracefully". The Times of India. 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.</ref> Apart from acting, Kharbanda is an endorser for several brands and products, including Oppo and PC Jeweller.<ref>"P C Jewellers signs actress Kriti Kharbanda as its brand ambassador". Bollywood Hungama. Retrieved 20 May 2022.</ref> For Oppo, she also shot a short film with Sidharth Malhotra.<ref>"Sidharth Malhotra and Kriti Kharbanda come together for the first time and we can't get over their cute chemistry". Bollywood Hungama. 11 February 2018. Retrieved 11 July 2018.</ref> She is the brand ambassador of Pebble watches alongside Pulkit Samrat.<ref>"Pebble Loops in Bollywood stars Kriti Kharbanda and Pulkit Samrat as brand ambassadors ahead of the festive season". ANI News. Retrieved 26 October 2021.</ref> Kharbanda has over 8.3 million Instagram followers and is widely known for her fashion style.<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda crosses 6 million followers on Instagram! Thanks her fans for the abundance of love". Mid Day. Retrieved 26 May 2020.</ref><ref>Lifestyle Desk (17 February 2020). "Kriti Kharbanda's fashion is as chic as it gets; check it out here". Indian Express. Retrieved 25 July 2020.</ref>

Filmography

Key

Denotes films that have not yet been released

Films

List of Kriti Kharbanda film credits

Year	Title	Role	Language	Notes	Ref.
2009	Boni	Pragathi	Telugu
2010	Chirru	Madhu	Kannada
2011	Ala Modalaindi	Simran	Telugu	Cameo
	Teen Maar	Vasumathi
2012	Mr. Nookayya	Anuradha "Anu"
	Prem Adda	Girija	Kannada
2013	Galaate	Ankitha
	Ongole Gittha	Sandhya "Sandy"	Telugu
	Om 3D	Anjali
	Googly	Dr. Swathi	Kannada
2014	Tirupathi Express	Prarthana
	Super Ranga	Naina
	Belli	Sneha
2015	Minchagi Nee Baralu	Priyanka
	Bruce Lee: The Fighter	Kavya Rao	Telugu
2016	Raaz: Reboot	Shaina Khanna	Hindi
2017	Bruce Lee	Saroja Devi	Tamil
	Maasthi Gudi	Raani	Kannada
	Guest iin London	Anaya Patel Shergill	Hindi
	Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana	Aarti Shukla PCS
2018	Karwaan	Rumana Salim		Cameo	<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda to join Irrfan and Dalquer in Ronnie Screwvala's Karwaan". DNA India. 20 September 2017. Archived from the original on 15 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.</ref>
	Dalapathi	Vaidhehi	Kannada
	Veerey Ki Wedding	Geet Bhalla	Hindi
	Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se	Dr. Chiku
2019	Housefull 4	Rajkumari Meena / Neha Thakral			<ref>"'Housefull 4': All you need to know about the film". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2018. Retrieved 12 August 2018.</ref>
	Pagalpanti	Janhvi Singh			<ref>Priyanka Raina (22 November 2019). "Pagalpanti movie review: Anees Bazmee's Action Comedy Hits The Mark". themagicpr.com.</ref>
2020	Taish	Aarfa Khan			<ref>"Bejoy Nambiar's 'Taish' To Premiere On ZEE5 In October". News18. Retrieved 28 September 2020.</ref>
2021	14 Phere	Aditi "Adu" Karwasra			<ref>"Vikrant Massey, Kriti Kharbanda begin shoot for 14 Phere". Outlook India. 26 November 2020. Retrieved 26 November 2020.</ref>
TBA	Risky Romeo	Template:TableTBA		Completed	<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda shares her excitement as she embarks on Risky Romeo shoot". Bollywood Hungama. 21 November 2023. Retrieved 25 November 2023.</ref>

Television

List of Kriti Kharbanda television credits

Year	Title	Role	Notes	Ref.
2011	Celebrity Cricket League	Herself		<ref>"Bangalore to host CCL opener". Bangalore Mirror. Archived from the original on 15 May 2018. Retrieved 16 December 2019.</ref>
2014	Bigg Boss Kannada 2			<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda and Sudeep come together tonight". Times of India. 24 August 2014. Archived from the original on 17 November 2019. Retrieved 19 December 2019.</ref>
2025	Rana Naidu	Alia Oberoi	Season 2	<ref>"Kriti Kharbanda on Netflix 'Rana Naidu Season 2': 'I spent the first ten years of my career, only wanting to fit in, hoping…'". Firstpost. Retrieved 11 June 2025.</ref>

Accolades

List of Kriti Kharbanda awards and nominations

Year	Award	Category	Work	Result	Ref.
2014	South Indian International Movie Awards	Best Actress – Kannada	Googly	Nominated	<ref>"SIIMA Awards 2013: And the SIIMA Awards go to..." The Times of India. 16 September 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2015.</ref>
2015	Filmfare Awards South	Best Actress – Kannada	Super Ranga	Nominated	<ref>"Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South". Filmfare. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2015.</ref>
	South Indian International Movie Awards	Best Actress – Kannada		Nominated	<ref>"Mr and Mrs Ramachari, Yash and Radhika shine at SIIMA 2015". The Times of India. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 28 September 2020.</ref>
		Best Actress Critics – Kannada		Won	<ref>"4th SIIMA awards: Kannada award complete winners list". The Times of India. 11 August 2015. Retrieved 17 September 2017.</ref>
2016	Filmfare Awards South	Best Supporting Actress – Telugu	Bruce Lee: The Fighter	Nominated	<ref>"Winners of 62nd Britannia Filmfare Awards South". Filmfare. 27 June 2015. Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 27 June 2015.</ref>
	South Indian International Movie Awards	Best Supporting Actress – Telugu		Nominated	<ref>Eva, Donna (6 October 2021). "Even if I have a day off, I come running back to Bengaluru: Kriti Kharbanda". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 27 March 2022.</ref>
2019	Lokmat Stylish Awards	Most Stylish Rising Star	N/A	Won	<ref>"Lokmat Most Stylish Awards 2019: See Photos and Winners!". Headlines of Today. 21 December 2019. Retrieved 21 December 2019.</ref>
2020	Lions Gold Awards	Best Actress in a Comic Role	Housefull 4	Won	<ref>"Exclusive Photos: Film and Television celebs grace the 26th SOL Lions Gold Awards 2020". Bollywood Hungama. 25 January 2020. Retrieved 18 January 2021.</ref>
2022	Indian Television Academy Awards	Most Popular Actress – OTT	Taish	Nominated	<ref>"Check Out The 21st Indian Television Academy Awards Winners List". TheITA2021. Archived from the original on 10 November 2021. Retrieved 7 March 2022.</ref>

External links

• Kriti Kharbanda at Bollywood Hungama
• Kriti Kharbanda on IMDb
• Kriti Kharbanda on Instagram