‘The Road Is Never Linear in Cinema’

Kudos have been coming Kriti’s way for her portrayal of Ally in Cocktail 2. Here she is, discussing the film, her approach to fitness, and what’s in her kitty.

What do you feel about most reviews designating you the star of Cocktail 2 ?

It always feels special when the audience connects with something you have done because ultimately that’s why we do what we do. I never really go on set thinking about how a character will be received or perceived by the audience. I just try to understand the character, be honest with her emotions and bring something new. Ally was a very different space for me. And she has a lot of layers. Her philosophy and moral compass were very different from me and that’s what I enjoyed. The love coming her way feels amazing and overwhelming. I’m so happy people have loved the film and the character.

What was your first reaction to playing Ally?

Ally is someone who lives life on her own terms, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t have vulnerabilities. Sometimes people who are always having fun can also have their own emotional spaces that they don’t show everyone. She loves with all her heart but doesn’t get too attached to people or places. She is a bit nomadic. What I loved about her was that she is unapologetically herself and she lived every moment to the fullest and didn’t believe in having regrets in life. She doesn’t fit into a box and that’s what made her exciting to play.

You have a refreshingly normal attitude to your physique. Have you always been this way?

“I’ve been blessed with a good metabolism, but looking back, I was a bit too skinny before Mimi. Gaining weight for the film made me realise the importance of fitness. I started working out with The Tribe, loved their approach, and eventually became a co-founder. I believe in balance—I eat everything in moderation and work out three to four times a week. For Cocktail 2, the goal was never size zero, but to be lean, fit and healthy without losing the glow on my face.”

It’s been twelve years since your debut. What have you learnt about yourself and the film industry?

The biggest thing I’ve learnt is that this journey is not linear. There will be films that work, films that don’t, moments where you feel confident and moments where you question yourself. But every experience teaches you something. I’ve learnt to trust my instincts more, not get affected by every opinion, and to focus on the work. I think I’ve also understood myself better as an actor, what excites me, what challenges me and the kind of stories I want to be a part of.

How do you deal with invasive elements in your life?

Everyone deserves personal space. I’m someone who loves my work and sharing my journey with people, but there is also a part of my life that I want to protect. Especially because your family and relationships are not just yours, they involve other people, too. I’ve learnt to create that balance, share a large part of my life with my fans and the world, but know where to draw the line.

Your last film, Tere Ishk Mein, was much darker than Cocktail 2. Do you enjoy heavy emotional parts more than frothier roles?

I enjoy both as they challenge me differently. Tere Ishk Mein was emotionally intense and required a lot from me as an actor. I felt drained when I wrapped that film and didn’t have it in me to do another intense one immediately.. Cocktail 2 felt refreshing because it allowed me to explore a lighter, happier and quirkier energy. I don’t think one is better than the other. I like that I can move between different worlds.

Tell us about your upcoming projects.

I haven’t signed anything yet. I’ve been reading a lot of stuff. There are a couple of projects that I’m in talks for and some scripts that I’m also getting developed from a production perspective. I want to focus on quality over quantity.