Krishna Gautam on cinema and self-discovery

For Krishna Gautam, the journey from Delhi to Mumbai has been as much about survival as it has been about self-discovery. What began as a childhood dream has evolved into a lived reality shaped by persistence, setbacks, and an unwavering belief in her craft.

Raised in Delhi and now based in Mumbai, Gautam describes the city not just as a destination, but as a teacher. “Mumbai is not just a city of dreams; it also evolves and brings wisdom. As it’s a fast and expensive city, mistakes have to pay their costs,” she says. “I have learned how to actually live my life here. I feel so fortunate that I had dreamt of settling down here, and I made it. Mumbai has given me everything.”

A dream born early

Gautam’s relationship with acting began long before she stepped onto a professional set. “When I was in Class 6, I had decided to be an actor,” she recalls. “Dancing and acting have always pulled me towards it since the beginning. As I am an emotional person and have a vivid imagination, I used to imagine myself giving intense expressions on camera.”

Like many of her generation, she grew up watching 1990s Hindi cinema, inspired by actors such as Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit. “We can’t deny that after seeing Aishwarya Rai and Madhuri Dixit, all girls were fascinated with becoming like them, which also played a bit in my head,” she says, adding, “But I also feel that I was destined to be an actor.”

Testing boundaries

Her role in the psychological horror film 12 O’Clock marked a significant milestone. The project demanded emotional and technical agility. “Playing different characters in one take — oh my god, I can’t even imagine now how I did that… but it was fun and tough altogether,” she says. “There are a few scenes where I played multiple characters in different voices in one take. Well, I feel the ending was quite difficult.”

Working with filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma early in her career proved formative. “RGV taught me how to look good on camera, but while filming, he gave me the liberty to be myself in the role,” she says. “He always listens and allows me to express, which is important to understand things. I am lucky that he gave me the opportunity to work with him from the beginning.”

Discipline of performance

Beyond acting, Gautam’s training in Kathak, contemporary dance, and martial arts has shaped her artistic approach. “Skills evolve us, make us mature, and teach us to be patient as well,” she explains. “Kathak made me feel more feminine, and MMA gives me strength. And to be a good performer, we need to learn how to be stronger and delicate at the same time.”

Her philosophy extends beyond technique. “We need to be both detached and attached—it’s a beautiful art of living,” she says.

Across formats, failures

Having worked in films, international projects, and music videos like Pinde Te Dior, Gautam approaches each format instinctively. “Honestly, there I just go with the flow; I don’t plan much,” she says.

Her involvement in production and creative direction, however, has been a double-edged sword. “As I do production and creative direction as well, my mind is fully occupied and I make a lot of mistakes,” she admits candidly. “I would say actors should not get into production at all; it sucks.”

Drawing from pain

For Gautam, emotional depth is less a technique and more an instinct. “A broken heart and unfulfilled wishes—there is already so much pain, I feel everything intensely,” she says. “This is me naturally, so I never required any other process.”

This emotional openness allows her to bring authenticity to her performances—even when the process is deeply personal.

Facing the industry

Like many young actors, Gautam’s journey has not been without its challenges. “Insults, humiliations, blocking me, not responding to me,” she says. “Also harassing me for compromises, but then I rose up, and now I am capable of making my own films and music videos or anything.”

Yet, she frames these experiences with perspective. “I think all girls face similar problems even outside the industry, so no complaints now,” she adds. “I love this industry, and I am happy to be part of it.”

Looking ahead

As she builds her career, Gautam is clear about the stories she wants to explore. “Action, historical, and love stories.”

Her recent appearances in music videos such as Baddua and Rubaroo, along with her directorial ventures, signal growing creative independence.

Reflecting on the changing landscape of cinema, she says: “Everything is so perfect in Dhurandhar 2, whether it’s music, performance, direction or editing—I couldn’t find any flaws. I could watch this film multiple times. But I think Toxic could also break all the records, but let’s see. Cinema has now changed, expectations of people are high, and it’s unpredictable too, but I feel Toxic is on its way to play a grand role in theatres once again.”

Alongside her artistic work, Gautam also runs the Need For Good Foundation, contributing to social welfare initiatives, and has been recognised as a WEF Youngest Achiever for her work in this space.

At the heart of it all, she remains committed to what she wants to be remembered for. “My facial expressions, especially my intense eyes,” she says. “Also, my voice.”