With a fiery avatar & fearless energy, Kriti Kharbanda makes her OTT debut in Rana Naidu

Kriti Kharbanda has always had that girl-next-door charm—easy to like, even easier to root for. But with her latest OTT debut, she flips the script completely. No more sweet smiles and side roles—this time, she’s front and centre, fierce and unapologetically bold. In the gripping new crime thriller Rana Naidu Season 2, Kriti plays Alia Oberoi, a sharp, strategic woman who doesn’t just hold her own—she dominates. This isn’t just a debut—it’s a declaration.

Knight in shining armor

In Rana Naidu, Kriti’s character Alia Oberoi is a woman who doesn’t just survive in a man’s world, but outsmarts it. And that’s exactly what drew Kriti in.

“She’s five-foot-something, but she takes on these six-foot-something men—and she wins. Not with force, but with strategy. That’s the power I loved bringing to life,” says Kriti proudly.

Camera is her muse

While many actors see OTT as a shift in the platform, Kriti sees no difference between screens—only stories. “To be honest, I just love being in front of the camera,” she says.

“It wasn’t about the medium. It was the script, the character, the world. Rana Naidu was one of the most incredible shows I’d watched—and I knew I had to be part of it.”

A better human

Kriti’s journey through regional cinema didn’t just shape her as an artiste—it transformed her as a person.

“Working across languages—Kannada, Telugu, Tamil—taught me so much. I didn’t just learn lines—I learned empathy. I became curious, open-minded, less judgmental,” she reflects.

Born to act

Acting wasn’t part of the plan—but always written in the stars. “As a kid, I was obsessed with storytelling—films, drama club, dance. I faced the camera at three,” she shares. “Looking back now, it’s like every moment was gently nudging me toward this path.”

Grounded in rituals

Through life’s inevitable highs and lows, Kriti has found solace in small rituals.

“When I feel overwhelmed, I give myself 21-day challenges—painting, puzzles, clay art,” she shares. “It helps me build consistency and reconnect with myself.” From sniffing scented candles to finishing a Lego set, it’s the little joys that keep her grounded.

Fitness routine

Kriti’s fitness philosophy? Honest, healthy and refreshingly real. “I workout so I can eat what I love. But more than that—I do it for me,” she says. “I don’t want a perfect body for the world. I just want to feel good in my own skin. And honestly, I haven’t had sugar in four years thanks to Pulkit! That’s a huge win.”

Real Success

To Kriti, success isn’t about applause—it’s about inner pride. “When I wake up, dress up and show up—that’s success,” she smiles. “Box office numbers come and go. But coming home from work with a full heart? That’s what matters.”