Kritika Kamra, a well-known face in Indian television and OTT platforms, has made a strong mark in the entertainment industry with her versatile performances. From her earlier TV days to transitioning into web series like Bombay Meri Jaan, Bheed, and Hush Hush, she has been a symbol of resilience and self-reliance. In a candid conversation, Kritika talks about her career journey, missed opportunities, and the importance of financial independence for women.
Fond Memories and Support From Family
As a rising star, Kritika fondly remembers her maternal grandparents. They were an important part of her life, especially during her formative years. Kritika shares how her grandmother would enthusiastically support her drama and speech competitions in school. She believes that if her grandparents were alive today, they would be proud of her achievements in the entertainment industry.
“I was very close to my maternal grandparents, and losing them when I was young was difficult,” Kritika says. Her grandmother always encouraged her, especially during cultural events. Coming from a conservative background where performing arts wasn’t something girls pursued, it was even more meaningful for her family to witness her success. “My mom also loved performing arts but never had the opportunity due to societal constraints. However, my parents were liberal and supported me unconditionally,” she adds.
The Challenges Women Face Due to Social Conditioning
On-screen, Kritika often portrays strong female characters, but off-screen, like many women, she also faces challenges shaped by social conditioning. She reflects on the difficulties women face in professional environments, stemming from how society conditions them to behave.
“We are taught from childhood to be soft-spoken, calm, and obedient. It’s almost ingrained that a girl’s success is in making others happy, caring for others first,” she explains. While these qualities are seen as virtues, they often make it difficult for women to assert themselves in the professional world.
Kritika says that in many workplaces, women struggle to speak confidently, especially in male-dominated environments. “When a woman leads or holds a senior position, she may have to make tough decisions. But because of our upbringing, women often find it difficult to be assertive. We feel hesitant in expressing ourselves, fearing judgment or dismissal.”
She points out how professionalism for women is often misunderstood. “If a male actor is firm, he’s called professional. But when a female actor does the same, she’s labeled as having ‘tantrums’ or being difficult. These gender biases are something that bothers me outside the world of acting.”
The Importance of Financial Self-Reliance
Kritika strongly advocates for self-reliance, especially for women. She emphasizes the importance of financial independence and how her father instilled this value in her at a young age. “My father taught me to be financially independent early on. He always said it’s important to create your own identity and not depend on anyone—whether it’s your father, brother, or partner.”
She recalls her first job after school, which made her realize the value of hard-earned money. “I took up a summer job in Delhi and earned ten thousand rupees, which was a lot at that time. I sent some to my mother and enjoyed the rest with my friends. That sense of freedom was priceless.”
For Kritika, equality in relationships is also essential. She believes that financial independence gives women the freedom to choose their partners based on equality, rather than dependence. “I’m not looking for a provider; I want a partner who values equality. When you earn your own money, you have control over your life and decisions.”
The Missed Bollywood Debut That Taught Her Patience
Kritika had an opportunity to debut in Bollywood with a film that was to be produced by Karan Johar and Ekta Kapoor. Everything was set—the script reading, costume trials, and even the shooting schedule. However, the project was shelved due to budget issues, and Kritika was left disappointed.
“I had already taken a break from TV for that film. It was very unfortunate, but I knew it wasn’t my fault,” she says. The experience taught her patience and the importance of not giving up. “I felt bad, but I didn’t lose courage. I kept meeting people and giving auditions. Eventually, I landed the film Friends and then moved on to OTT platforms. I learned that opportunities won’t come to you—you have to seek them out.”
Moving from Television to OTT: Breaking the “Regressive” Stereotype
Kritika’s career began with television, and she quickly became a household name. However, TV content has often been criticized for being regressive, especially in its portrayal of women. Kritika acknowledges that, but she has always tried to be part of more progressive content.
“Even on TV, I was careful about the roles I picked. I did shows like Kuchh To Log Kahenge and Reporters, which were different from the usual mother-in-law-daughter-in-law dramas,” she explains. For Kritika, the audience plays a significant role in shaping the content.
“India is a large country, and many people still relate to regressive content because they see it around them. Not everyone can afford OTT subscriptions or movie tickets, so TV is their primary form of entertainment. But if the mindset changes at the grassroots level, the demand for such content will also decrease.”
The Road Ahead: Kritika’s Journey Continues
With multiple OTT projects under her belt and a growing presence in the entertainment world, Kritika Kamra’s career trajectory is on a steady rise. She believes that as long as she continues to learn, adapt, and challenge herself, the possibilities are endless. Her journey from TV to OTT has been filled with ups and downs, but her determination to make the most of every opportunity continues to guide her.
For aspiring actors and women in general, Kritika’s message is clear: “Be self-reliant, be confident, and never wait for opportunities—go out and find them.”
