Kriti says first love is Kannada cinema

The actress says that it upsets her when people differentiate between Bollywood and southern industries

Actress Kriti Kharbanda is noted for her work in the Kannada and Telugu film industries. The ‘Googly’ actress debuted in Bollywood in 2016 with ‘Raaz: Reboot’. Since then, she has starred in many Hindi and regional movies.

Currently, the actress is busy with ‘Housefull 4’, ‘Pagalpanti’, ‘Chehre’ and a bilingual southern flick opposite Dulquer Salmaan.

Kriti, in a chat with Malini Raghu, talks about her career, fitness and more, when she was in the city for Reebok’s ‘Float-A-Thon’.

You haven’t done many Kannada movies after your debut in Bollywood...

I wasn’t aiming for Bollywood. I was clear that I would work on good offers, which happened with Hindi movies. The reason I am in this field is because of Kannada movies; ‘Googly’ put me on the map. I got many opportunities from Bollywood even before I made my debut, but I couldn’t take them up because I was busy shooting for movies in the South.

I have been wanting to work in Kannada movies, but the dates aren’t working out. I am hoping it will work out in the future; my first love has always been Kannada cinema.

For now, I have signed a bilingual (Tamil and Malayalam) movie with Dulquer Salmaan.

How do you choose your roles?

I think my roles choose me. If they excite me, I do it; I go with my gut.

Any plans to do women-centric movies?

I definitely want to. But, I have to reach a certain point in my career where I can shoulder a film. I am waiting for the right time and script because it is a big responsibility. I have read a female-centric script for a multilingual project, if it works out, you will see me in that.

Do you find any differences working in Bollywood and the Southern industries?

It upsets me when people think there is a difference. Southern films are highly-appreciated in the Hindi film industry. When I am shooting abroad, the people there don’t care if it is Kannada, Hindi or Telugu, they recognise me as an Indian actor. It saddens me that people don’t see it that way here or when they ask me for my preference.

About your Hindi projects.

‘Pagalpanti’ is a typical comedy film. I play the role of Jhanvi. I have worked hard for this movie, I hope it works out. The first few days were challenging, but I pushed through.

In ‘Housefull 4’, I play dual roles; it was challenging. I learnt sword fighting for a scene, which was much appreciated.

For me, ‘Chehra’ is a big feather on my cap. I can’t believe I am working with Amitabh Bachchan. It is a psychological thriller, and I will be with the biggest names in the industry.

Kriti’s tips to fitness

Kriti was recently in the city to take part in the midnight run hosted by Reebok.

“I have been aware of Reebok since I was a kid. I am proud that I am working them as they are promoting fitness,” she says about her association with the brand.

Talking about her routine, she also lists a few tips for keeping fit.

- Make sure to follow a healthy diet. “Dieting is not necessarily healthy; you need to know how to differentiate good and bad carbs,” she quips.

- Get the right footwear. Whether you are running or doing weights, it is important to have balance.

- Don’t push yourself to a point where you start disliking it.

- Give yourself the first three weeks. You will enjoy it only when you see the results.