I thought films were not meant to be for me: Kritika

This past year has been a roller coaster ride,” says actor Kritika Kamra, who will soon make her big screen debut opposite Jackky Bhagnani. However, this is not her first foray into films. The actor had signed a film, Badtameez Dil, with Ekta Kapoor, as well as other projects with a few production houses, but those movies never took off. She explains, “My film debut should have happened a couple of years ago. I had signed contracts with established production houses, had done look tests, and was almost going to shoot, but these films, projects that you never expect to not take off, didn’t happen. I realised that there are many factors involved in the making of a film that aren’t under your control. I thought films aren’t meant to be. But then this film happened and here I am.”

Kritika adds that she was sceptical about films, but she knew that if she did do a movie, hers would be a strong role. “I don’t want to have a blink-and-miss appearance or do a song-and-dance kind of role in a big film. In the previous films (that didn’t happen), I had a pivotal role. I want my character to matter to the plot,” she says.

Many popular actors from television are entering films this year, and Kritika feels the more the merrier. “With many TV actors now doing films, people might think it is easy, but getting a break in Bollywood is not. There is a certain way you are looked upon, because you are a TV actor. People say the gap is bridging, but that is not true. When you audition and meet people, you realise they see you through a lens and there is baggage that you carry when you’re a TV actor. I have to add that it helps to know people in Bollywood, as it opens doors for you. However, getting a role depends on your talent.”

Kritika is excited about her new project, though. She says she was blown away by the film-makers. She says, “Working on the film gave me exposure and a new medium to play with. It is like a reset button for me. We finished shooting in 45 days. I’m used to working on TV and shooting every day, so it was tough to wait months for the film to be released.”

With many TV actors now doing films, people might think it is easy, but getting a break in Bollywood is not. There is a certain way you are looked upon, because you are a TV actor. KRITIKA KAMRA, ACTOR