Kriti Kharbanda
Explore the journey of Indian model-turned-actress Kriti Kharbanda — from her early life in New Delhi and Bangalore to her success in Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu films. Discover her biography, key films, challenges, and public persona.
Introduction
Kriti Kharbanda is an Indian actress and former model, known for her work across multiple regional film industries including Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi. Born on 29 October 1990, she made the transition from modeling to acting and has built a steady career marked by both commercial and critical projects. Her versatility, screen presence, and ability to navigate different film industries have earned her recognition among audiences and peers alike.
Early Life and Family
Kriti Kharbanda was born on 29 October 1990 in New Delhi, India into a Punjabi Hindu family. Ashwani Kharbanda (father) and Rajni Kharbanda (mother). Ishita Kharbanda, and a brother Jaiwardhan Kharbanda.
Soon after her birth, her family moved to Bengaluru (Bangalore), where she grew up and completed most of her schooling. Baldwin Girls’ High School and Bishop Cotton Girls’ School. Sri Bhagawan Mahaveer Jain College in Bengaluru.
Besides formal academics, she also holds a diploma in jewellery designing, reflecting her early interest in design and aesthetics.
From her childhood, Kriti was active in cultural activities, and she began appearing in advertisement and modeling assignments during her school and college years. Spar, Bhima Jewellers, and Fair & Lovely, among others.
From Modeling to Acting – Early Career
Kriti’s modeling exposure played a key role in her entry into the film industry. One of her billboard advertisements for Spar caught the attention of an NRI film director, Raj Pippala, who was searching for a heroine. That opportunity opened the door for her acting debut.
Her first film role was in Telugu cinema: Boni (2009). Boni was not a commercial success, Kriti’s performance and potential were noted.
Soon after, she made her Kannada film debut with Chirru (2010).
Career Growth & Success
Kannada & Telugu Cinema
Kriti’s career in Kannada cinema witnessed a turning point with films like Googly (2013). In Googly, she played a medical student opposite Yash; her performance received praise and nominations at the SIIMA Awards.
She also appeared in Kannada hits such as Super Ranga (2014) — for which she won the SIIMA Critics Award for Best Actress – Kannada — Tirupathi Express, and Belli (2014).
In Telugu, she took roles like in Bruce Lee: The Fighter (2015), where she portrayed an IAS aspirant. For this, she was nominated for Filmfare and SIIMA Best Supporting Actress – Telugu awards.
Entry into Hindi Films & Mainstream Bollywood
Kriti made her Bollywood debut with Raaz: Reboot (2016). Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana (2017).
She went on to act in ensemble and commercial films such as Housefull 4 (2019), which turned out to be her highest-grossing release nationwide. Yamla Pagla Deewana: Phir Se (2018), Taish (2020), 14 Phere (2021).
Kriti has also branched into web series. In Rana Naidu Season 2, she portrayed an ambitious, morally ambiguous character (Alia Oberoi), marking her notable entry into OTT platforms.
Awards & Recognitions
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SIIMA Awards: Multiple nominations; Critic’s Award win for Super Ranga in Kannada cinema.
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Filmfare Awards South: Nominations for her performances in Kannada and Telugu films.
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For her role in Taish, she earned a nomination for Indian Television Academy (ITA) Award for Most Popular Actress – OTT.
While she has not yet won major national Bollywood awards, her steady presence and diversity of work across film industries speak to her adaptability and reach.
Public Image, Philanthropy & Personal Life
Public Persona & Brand Endorsements
Kriti Kharbanda is a sought-after face for brands and endorsements. She has been a brand ambassador for Oppo, PC Jewellers, and Pebble watches, among others. Lakmé Fashion Week, and appears on magazine covers in India.
In cinematic circles, she is often praised for combining “glamour + acting potential,” and is considered a popular face in Kannada cinema in particular.
Social Causes & Philanthropy
On her 30th birthday, she pledged to sponsor education for 30 underprivileged girls via her association with the NGO Shiksha Seva Foundation.
Personal Life
Kriti met actor Pulkit Samrat around 2018, and the two began dating officially by 2019. 15 March 2024 in a traditional ceremony in Manesar, Haryana.
She is known to practice pole dancing as a fitness and meditative discipline, often citing it as both physical training and emotional release.
Kriti has spoken candidly about the emotional ups and downs of the film industry. In a 2025 interview, she shared how she lost a significant film project despite receiving a signing amount — an experience that left her deeply hurt but also strengthened her resolve.
Challenges, Evolution & Future Perspectives
Kriti Kharbanda’s career has had its share of ups and downs. Some of her early films did not fare well commercially, and entering Bollywood—where competition is intense—posed challenges.
One of the turning points in her career was Googly, which gave her visibility and opened more offers in Kannada cinema.
In recent years, her shift into digital platforms (web series) signals adaptation to changing entertainment landscapes. Her role in Rana Naidu made a mark among OTT audiences.
Looking ahead, Kriti is well-placed to continue balancing commercial and content-driven projects, possibly expanding into more pan-Indian or even international roles as Indian cinema’s global reach grows.
Select Filmography & Noteworthy Works
Here’s a sampling of some noteworthy films and roles:
| Year | Film / Web | Role / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Boni (Telugu) | Her acting debut |
| 2010 | Chirru (Kannada) | Kannada debut |
| 2013 | Googly (Kannada) | Breakthrough role; earned SIIMA nomination |
| 2014 | Super Ranga | Won SIIMA Critics Best Actress (Kannada) |
| 2015 | Bruce Lee: The Fighter | IAS aspirant; nominated for supporting actress awards |
| 2016 | Raaz: Reboot | Entry into Hindi cinema |
| 2017 | Shaadi Mein Zaroor Aana | Played a PCS officer |
| 2019 | Housefull 4 | Highest-grossing Bollywood project for her |
| 2020 | Taish | Earned OTT award nomination |
| 2021 | 14 Phere | Romantic comedy on streaming release |
| 2025 | Rana Naidu (Web series) | Played Alia Oberoi, a morally complex character
Lessons & Insights from Kriti Kharbanda’s Journey
ConclusionKriti Kharbanda’s story is one of steady climbing rather than overnight stardom. From modeling billboards in Bengaluru to starring in pan-Indian films and web series, she has navigated multiple linguistic and cultural domains of Indian cinema. Her journey is still unfolding, with new phases like digital roles and cross-industry work ahead. To follow her work, you might watch Housefull 4 for her Bollywood breakthrough, Googly for her Kannada acclaim, or Rana Naidu for her OTT evolution. Her trajectory underscores that talent, persistence, and adaptability remain powerful currencies in the entertainment world. Articles by the author
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