Kritika Kamra: I have set some boundaries, based on the sanctity of things

She found instant fame when she began her career at the age of 18 with television. Though Kritika Kamra says she has had an amazing journey so far, the one lesson that she has learned from her experiences is to be more “guarded” about her personal life.

Kritika dated fellow actor Karan Kundra, who was also her co-star in TV drama Kitani Mohabbat Hai, and was very open about it. She also never shied away from talking about her eventual break-up with him.

Talking about how she dealt with her personal life being in focus, Kritika says, “I chose to be that initially, I was 18 and was brought up in a way that I never had to hide anything from anyone. We were not taught that you shouldn’t do certain things. When I came in the industry, things about my personal life were out and people were discussing it because I never hid it. I was fine talking about it.”

The actor says she has “literally grown up on television”. She is more mature now to understand what is more precious to her and what she would not like to share.

“I have learnt from my mistakes... I have learnt what to share and what not to share. Today, I choose to be more private and keep things to myself. People still talk and there are still rumours but the audience has become very smart now and know what the truth is and what is not,” adds Kritika.

The actor, however, says that she did find dealing with all the fame and attention a bit overwhelming as she was very young at that time.

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I’m lucky I was born to feminist parents. I realised this obviously very late in life because I wasn’t ever told "This is feminism." Infact, I don’t think my parents really knew it themselves. Feminism doesn’t always need to be explicit. It could simply mean you, as a woman, are equal to any man. And that’s what I was made to believe right from the beginning. I grew up knowing that I could be anything I want. I could play whatever games I liked. I played ghar-ghar and cricket.. learned Kathak and raced on my bike. My mother never stopped me from doing anything that a girl "isnt supposed to do".. and Papa never decided what I can / cannot wear. I went out with my male friends. I decided to quit college and become an actress. I lived alone in Delhi and then Bombay and experimented with life, relationships and careers. Even today, there is no "pressure" to get married.. my parents want me to succeed in my career and never be dependent on anyone. I live my life on my own terms and the day I decide to share it with someone I know it’s going to be my choice of person and time. Frankly, I know all this is not extra-ordinary. It’s no big deal.. at least not for me because I haven’t seen things any other way in my house. But I’m aware that this is a privilege. And I’m grateful. Today I can proudly say that my upbringing made me a more empowered female and my brother a more empathetic male. I’m blessed to be your #daughter Maa, Papa. @kumkumkamra @ravikamra

A post shared by Kritika Kamra (@kkamra) on Sep 23, 2018 at 7:04am PDT

“From fashion choices to my relationship, everything was out there for scrutiny. But I think as an actor, I realised that it was a choice that I have made. I am a public figure and I have chosen to be here,” shares Kritika.

The actor, who recently made her film debut, says she is more at ease now when it comes to dealing with public glare and is not put off by scrutiny at all.

“I am okay to be on the line, be judged and even be criticized. I am absolutely fine with it. But I have set some boundaries over the years, depending on the sanctity of things,” she says.

First Published: Oct 24, 2018 12:53 IST