Kratika's journey from being an intern at an advertising agency to developing into one of the Indian television industry's most gifted actors has been nothing short of spectacular and meteoric. In a short span of 5 years, Kratika has shaped her career graph in such a way that if one were to look at it, a constantly climbing steep slope of success would be seen. Since the day she stepped into the industry until now, Kratika has been a part of 7 fiction TV shows - 3 of those roles were main female protagonists, one had her playing a female antagonist, while the other 3 had her in small but important roles - but she has also taken part in a reality show and acted in short films along with her professional projects on TV in the fiction genre.
Testing the Waters
2007
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi (Sanchi)
Becoming an actor for a little while to lend a helping hand to a college senior's filmmaking project unexpectedly turned out to be the first stepping stone in Kratika's career as an actor. A call from Ekta Kapoor regarding an audition for a show might have been a dream scenario for many...Her instinctive response? "No, no, no, no no, I can't act!" Nevertheless, Kratika obliged, auditioned at Balaji Telefilms, and ended up with the role of Sanchi in the long-running Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. There was no looking back for Kratika after she gave her first shot in spite of a stomach filled with butterflies and multiple retakes (and a desire to become invisible on the spot). Sanchi was a small but important role for Kratika - it exposed her to the Indian TV industry as well as the audience and provided her with an opportunity to test the waters gently; her involvement in Kyunki...left a positive impression on the audience even after she was no longer a part of the show.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymNaqGm8MAs[/YOUTUBE]
Kasautii Zindagii Kay (Prerna Junior, aka P2)
That same year, Kratika was finalized to play the female protagonist of the third generation of characters in Balaji's Kasautii Zindagii Kay. As Prerna Junior, fondly called P2, Kratika won numerous hearts while managing the pressures of being a lead female actress with many, many experienced co-actors at her side. Due to the scope of P2's role in the story, KZK allowed Kratika to explore her acting abilities more freely than KSBKBT did, and this strengthened the foundation of the reservoir of talent upon which her later work and performances would be based.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44G2VmGclfQ[/YOUTUBE]
2008
Kya Dill Mein Hai (Naina)
A third Balaji production saw Kratika changing colors and becoming an important "third angle" in the complicated love triangle that formed the base of Kya Dill Mein Hai. After playing the female protagonist in her previous show, Kratika took on the task of essaying Naina, a character which has been regarded by many as the female antagonist or vamp of the story. Naina was a girl whose love could be described best as a "junoon" in terms of its intensity. There is always a risk of making such a character into a caricature of the stereotypical obsessed lover; however, even when the scenarios in the show tilted in that direction, Kratika's portrayal of her character was such that even amidst Naina's anger and insecurities, there seemed to be a delicate vulnerability of sorts beneath her volatile exterior. In spite of the dramatic twists and turns of the story, it is undeniable that the character evoked a sense of sympathy by the time the show was pulled off-air prematurely, and a large reason for that response was due to Kratika's performance in her last scene.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01wFMuUY6RU[/YOUTUBE]
2009
Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil (Simran) [cameo]
She did a very brief cameo of one episode in Kis Desh Mein Hai Meraa Dil as the outgoing and bubbly Simran.
The Tide Turns
2010-2011
Jhansi Ki Rani (Rani Laxmi Bai)
Kratika turned against the tide and stepped into the skin of the legendary Rani Laxmibai in Jhansi Ki Rani. Portraying the adult version of Laxmibai was a challenge in many respects. Taking over the mantle and name of 'Manu' from Ulka Gupta, who played the young Manu and won the hearts of the audience in the process, Kratika prepared extensively to face the camera in her new avatar. From learning Laxmibai's body language, mudras, dialect, and slokas through independent research and workshops to undergoing rigorous training in sword-fighting, horse-riding, and malkhamb, no stone was left unturned to ensure that Laxmibai would be portrayed with dignity. In addition to the long, strenuous shooting schedules in Karjat and other locations, Kratika faced accidents and a near-death experience but continued to literally and figuratively invest sweat, blood, and tears into her role. The continuous hard work resulted in well-earned appreciation and immense admiration from viewers, even from those who may have initially found it hard to adjust to "badi Manu." By the time the show reached its climax, Kratika was known and loved by millions as Rani Laxmibai. Her impressive performance consistently brought out the fiery ferocity of the warrior in the iconic queen from her very first shot, but it also showed the gentle, playful, and mischievous sides of a woman who was spirited, righteous, and loving in all her roles as a wife, queen, mother, and revolutionary.
Diving In Head-first: Quotes from Kratika
"I am trying to find my space. As far as the crew is concerned, I have got mixed reactions to my work as of now. On one hand, their expectations are very high from someone who's taking over from their dear Ulka Gupta. They're emotionally attached to her, which I think is natural."
"Since we shoot almost throughout the day it's difficult to be normal at times as I continue to be in my character."
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwgIGXOUKcE[/YOUTUBE]
The Impact and Aftermath: Quotes from Kratika
"I realized that I'm a passionate person, and like to live life on my own terms and do only those things that I have full conviction in...I can't possibly do justice to such a personality, a woman of strength, courage and conviction. But I do relate to one thing - she was in the habit of listening to everyone's perspective and finally doing exactly what she thought was right. I find this quality in myself too."
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zAyh92iMdac&feature=related[/YOUTUBE]
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZqDMypC3DM[/YOUTUBE]
2012
Punar Vivaah (Aarti)
Sometimes in life, very rarely, it seems as though everything simply falls into place perfectly. A very well-deserved six-month break after Jhansi Ki Rani came to an end when Shashi and Sumeet Mittal's concept of Punar Vivaah was narrated to Kratika. Not one to jump at the opportunity of doing another project just for the sake of working, Kratika instantly agreed to be a part of the team that would bring the Mittals' sensitive story about second chances to the audience. That the character in question was a divorcee and mother of a small child was not a matter of concern for her because the concept and story itself was about two people, one a widower and the other a divorcee, trying to give their children and families happiness by agreeing to remarry. Stating the show's concept in these words appears to be simple enough, but the actual story, with its detailed focus on family dynamics, interpersonal relationships, and the emotional barriers associated with the remarriage of two people, is anything but simple. Aarti is an enigma, a complex jumble of contradictions, but that is what makes her so relatable: she is like us, realistic with all her strengths and weaknesses and internal conflicts. A character developed with careful attention to detail is of little consequence unless the actor burdened with the task of pulling the written words off the pages of the scripts is able to rise to the challenge and bring the character to life. For Kratika, breathing life into Aarti appears to have been effortless right from the very start of Punar Vivaah. One only needs to watch the first 4 promos of the show to see how Kratika immersed herself in Aarti's skin and became Aarti. Every step, gesture, glance, and word demonstrates Kratika's mastery of her craft: that of bringing a character and her story to life. She has continued to live Aarti's life and take us on her journey since then, and as Punar Vivaah nears its completion of 100 episodes this week, it would be a huge understatement to say that in this short amount of time, Kratika's nuanced and sensitive performance in Punar Vivaah has resulted in immense admiration from viewers all over the world. She has conquered millions of hearts yet again, with a role that showcases her versatility to the fullest, and in light of her tremendous growth as an actor since the day she received that fateful call that changed her life - and ours - it is only natural that she will continue to make everyone proud in the years to come.
Another Character, Another Life: Quotes from Kratika
"Jhansi Ki Rani is a tough act to follow. So, the next show had to be something really worthwhile. So I decided to spend some time waiting in the wings rather than take on work that I would not be proud of on hindsight."
"Agar mujhe image build up karna hota, toh main 6 mahine wait nahi karti...Kaafi acche acche shows ke offer aaye, but somehow main apne aap ko uss frame mein dekh nahi paayi." ("If I wanted/needed to build up an image, I wouldn't have waited for 6 months. Some good shows were offered to me, but somehow I couldn't see myself in that frame.")
"I was not skeptical at all about playing chhote bacche ka mother, no."
"As an actor, one's preparation comes through sheer observation of human behavior as we go through life. Both Yash and Aarti are real people faced with real scenarios in life. Playing them effortlessly can come only from putting yourself in the shoes of the character."
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q41hygyDxtk[/YOUTUBE][YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlASulwT9wM&feature=plcp[/YOUTUBE]
Misc. Roles
Aahat - 2010
'Khoon Haveli' (Chitra)
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKNuKC6ct4U[/YOUTUBE]
Read My Silence - 2011
Kratika also acted in a short film named 'Read My Silence' directed by Abhishek Chandra. The line that tells about the theme of the film is "Three different men, bound by silence with three different meanings." In this film the leading female role is done by Kratika who plays the character of Arsala.
Short summary: Jonathan Mann, 26, is on the verge of getting fired from his work due to his careless, don't give a damn attitude. One night his life takes a turn with the sudden entry of Arsala whom he finds hiding in a corner of his house. She's badly hurt with blood spilled all over and she's scared.
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhQRUrWVZEs[/YOUTUBE]

- Favorite Beti, Zee Rishtey Awards 2010 ' Jhansi Ki Rani
- Best TV Actor, Madhavrao Scindia Leadership Awards 2010 ' Jhansi Ki Rani
- Best Fresh New Face (Female), Global Indian TV Awards 2011 ' Jhansi Ki Rani
- Veer Character (Female), BIG Television Awards 2011 ' Jhansi Ki Rani