Wishing you all the great things in life, hope this day will bring you an extra share of all that makes you happiest.
"Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of 'you' to the world."
On this special day, it is an honor to look back and appreciate the different ways, Kratika as a person and as an actor has entertained us.
Kratika has come across as one of the most exuberant actresses we have seen in our TV industry. As a person, her vitality is so infectious that most of the time we viewers smile along with her while watching her interviews. She giggles at the silliest of things. She is chirpy and so full of life. She is in inspiration to her co-stars be it Naman Shaw in Kasauti Zindagi ke or Sameer Adhikari in Jhansi ki Rani or Gurmeet Chaudry in our Punar Vivah.
Acting is like a painting. Someone may look at it and see a masterpiece yet someone else may look at it and see just a mess of colors. We have some wonderfully talented actors in our TV industry. So, what is it that sets a particular actor like Kratika Sengar, above the rest of the crowd and makes people who have truly watched her acting, stand up and say "Yes, she is an actor par excellence"?
I cannot speak for everyone but myself. But I hope by giving my perspective I am also representing views of many others who have felt the same way about Kratika Sengar, the Actor.
The first time I saw Kratika on the screen I was riveted. She was a beauty but it was her performance that grabbed my attention. She brings out so many tiny facets to Aarti, the way she slowly raises her eyes, the way she has an indulgent smile on her face when she looks at her children, the way she holds her hand to her tummy when she is with Yash, suggesting she may not be too confident of herself as a woman. But perhaps Kratika's greatest physical attribute as far as her acting is considered would be her expressive face. Her eyes, more than anything, seem to radiate such a powerful inner light. One moment they are bright, mischievous and full of life and the next moment they are sad, hurt and weary like she carries the weight of the entire world on her shoulder. Her eyes can burn through you when she is in anger or touch your heart with their sincerity. There are many actors who have expressive eyes yet there are only few who uses them so well that they truly show the inner fire in them. Kratika along with Gurmeet belong to that small, elite group of actors who can do that.
And then there is her voice: husky, earthy, makes you sit up and take notice. When she is angry there is such power in that voice that it sends shivers down your spine. We can never forget the way she got angry at the Dubeys when she realized the divorce lie or the way she got angry at Yash after Ansh was kidnapped.When she is distraught, the fragile breaking in that voice sends you to your knees with tears in your eyes. How can any of us forget her devastation when Ansh was kidnapped and she was begging everyone to save her baby. Her dialogues are said in such a way that you cannot imagine that the same dialogues can be delivered in any other way. The exuberance she brings to the character Aarti is so Kratika that it is sometimes difficult to distinguish Kratika from Aarti.
When an actor takes you on a journey with her and makes you feel every emotion and makes you believe in every moment that she is going through, how do you define such an actor's ability? Is saying she is a good actor, enough? I wish there was a word that could truly describe the sheer brilliance of Kratika's talent. There is a very poignant scene in one of Kratika's previous shows where she dies in the arms of the person she loves. Kratika as Naina struggles to hold onto her life. Her eyes are filled with a mixture of sorrow, apology and fear. She communicates so much without saying a word. It is weird calling a death beautiful but thats what it was, raw and painful and beautiful and it was Kratika who gave it that beauty.
An actor take a writer's words, a director's vision and delivers a performance that we the audience must believe. Fabulous actors do this effortlessly. Kratika is one such actor. It is not just in the big dramatic moments but also in the tiny little nuances that Kratika brings to the character of Aarti. The clarity, style and attention to detail that Kratika gives Aarti's character, makes us love Aarti, makes us cry for Aarti, makes us laugh with Aarti and makes us cheer for Aarti.
And today on your birthday Kratika, we salute your talent and the
person you are. You are so beautiful, so expressive, so natural. Your
face is joyful, lit up by your lovely smile and your sparkling eyes.
There is a quote "Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is
not putting up a mask. Each time an actor acts he does not hide; he
exposes himself". So true. Your acting touches our soul, Kratika.
A super special message from THE KRATIKA SENGAR to all her fans on India-Forum .She has read all the messages in this birthday thread for her π . You can listen to her message right here.
(Credits: Zainab aka Zee_News)
[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sntgzci7AiE&feature=youtu.be[/YOUTUBE]
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."
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
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
"Kratika Sengar'' an actor par excellence. They say when special people take birth, even the heavens rejoice. Did destiny come knocking loud when she was named Kratika, which actually is the name of a star? And a star she is'..an affable person who illuminates with her presence not only the screen but also the lives of the people around her. She is exquisitely beautiful and embodies the poise, innocence, and grace of a swan. She is a virtuoso actor with a vivacious and charismatic cine presence, with a highly competent and interpretative performance range.
Kratika's refreshing and easygoing persona reflects on her portrayals, given the ease with which she gets into the skin of a character. She can depict a myriad of emotions just by the tic of a muscle or turning of a lip or lifting of a brow or tilting of her head'..those subtle nuances that provide profundity to a character and make her connect with the audience. She brings credibility and didacticism to her performances'..an act to follow and an example to look up to. She is an intense and powerful actor, a skill that has been proven beyond doubt through a plethora of varied and amazingly realistic performances over the years.
Playing Aarti was no less than an improbable challenge; the
role had no precedence. But Kratika rose to the occasion and has played this
never-before-seen character of the female protagonist in a Punar Vivah with an
elan and finesse and versatility that only enhances the superior understanding
she has of Aarti as a person...Aarti lives through Kratika.
Dear Kratika,
Happy birthday! May you receive all the happiness in the world this year and for many, many years to come!
I have to thank destiny for making me stumble across one of the initial promos of Punar Vivaah the week before the show began because if that hadn't happened, I wouldn't be writing this and I might have never discovered this show with a beautiful concept and an excellent team of people dedicated to telling this story. I had seen the first promo by chance, but in spite of liking the concept of the show, I didn't have any intentions of watching a new show at the time. I had tried, purely for the sake of watching some other actors I liked, but nothing connected with me or held my attention for more than a few days. All that changed as soon as I saw Promo 3 of Punar Vivaah. I don't know how I got to that video, but I watched it...I had heard of Gurmeet in previous years but I had never seen you before, Kratika...And now I wonder how on earth I went for so long without knowing who you were because you are undisputedly my favorite actress from your generation!
I remember clearly that while I was watching the promo, I
transitioned from observing with mild curiosity to focusing with full
attention on what was happening on my laptop screen. The reason? You -
your expressions and body language. In a matter of seconds, without you
saying a word, I saw a spectrum of emotions conveyed with astounding
clarity. That promo, to me, showcased your amazing ability to emote
using every fiber of your being. Every movement and glance was so
natural that I instantly thought, "THIS is the personification of
nuanced, understated acting." That was it. I knew instinctively that
whoever this actress was, I would definitely be watching this show
because of her.
Promo 3 remains my favorite one out of the initial promos (followed very closely by Promo 4, the Dargah Promo) for many reasons. The first thing that caught my attention was how Aarti (naturally I didn't know your name or the character's name at the time) reacted upon realizing Yash was already present in the bathroom. Instead of freezing like a deer in headlights (in typical Hindi serial heroine fashion), Aarti rushed to leave immediately, only to be hindered by the lock. That was so refreshing to see, but what I loved most about that moment was the expression of surprise on your face as Aarti discovers that the sari pallu is stuck, followed by even more surprise at seeing Yash in the bathroom, and then the apologetic "Oh, sorry! I'll leave!" gesture, communicated nonverbally within seconds. My most favorite part of the promo by far is when Yash helps unlock the door. The simple fact that one of the most cliched scenarios of Indian TV - that of the lead female feeling uncomfortable about physical proximity - was given a little "spin" and turned on its head was enough for me to applaud the makers of Punar Vivaah, but the execution of that "spin" was brilliant! I was left absolutely mesmerized by your expressions then, and it still happens every time I watch the promo now, as well. I am being completely honest when I say that I have never seen anyone with such beautiful, luminous, expressive eyes. Aarti's steady gaze as she watches Yash was something that took me by surprise and made me smile because she looks away when he glances at her, but then her eyes focus on him again as if she can't help but watch him. So many nuances that made me an instant admirer of yours, Kratika! Two of my favorites that I simply have to mention: Aarti averting her eyes when Yash looks at her, fixing her sari, looking up to find Yash watching her still, and impulsively backing away just a little; and the bit right at the end of the promo where Aarti realizes that the door has been pushed open and starts out of surprise.
Obviously that promo was more than enough to make me fall in love with your acting prowess and subtle nuances! That admiration has only continued to grow exponentially since then, especially after watching episodes of your earlier shows - I have to confess that I went on a whirlwind research spree to discover everything I possibly could about your previous shows as soon as I found out your name immediately after watching that promo, and it took me a record of two days to officially declare that I would be an ardent fan, admirer, and well-wisher of yours for life. The way you approach your work, choose shows carefully, and effortlessly transform into each of your characters is so admirable and impressive. Although every show and role of yours is important and your tremendous development as an actor can clearly be seen from one show to the next, I personally feel that Jhansi Ki Rani really allowed you to flourish as an actor (I am forever in awe of the powerful intensity you displayed in that show), and Punar Vivaah is enabling that even more. Your dialogue delivery and vocal inflection, expressions for emotions of every shade, and body language - all of it is understated, controlled, and makes it a joy to watch one sparkling performance after another every day. You are undeniably the most versatile actress of your generation as well as a beautiful, lovely, sincere, honest person. Thank you so, so, so much for everything that you do and all the effort you put into your shows, Kratika! Always keep smiling and laughing - that radiant smile reaches out and touches all of our hearts with its warmth.
Love you always,
Borna
P.S. - Your camaraderie/chemistry with Gurmeet is beyond brilliant, Kratika! Both of you truly complement each other in every way onscreen, and it was a pleasant shock to see how you two were so in tune with each other and reacted so similarly during your look test together. It still fascinates me and leaves me spellbound. Just like you were born to perform, Kratika, I sincerely feel that Aarti was a role destined only for you. Thank you for infusing her with life and soul, just like you have done with all of your previous characters.
Happy Birthday, Kratika! π€
You
are my most favourite television actress, because you are simply the best. From
the subtlety in your expressions to your infectious laughter, from your husky
voice to your expressive eyes, from your terrific screen presence to your
confident personality... I love everything about you.π³ I love watching you
act as well as your off-screen segments because I love your spontaneity which
brings out the real 'you'. You are a βοΈ and will always remain
one for me.
Stay like this forever. May God give you the best in your life, fulfill all
your wishes and throw in lots of happiness and prosperity for you in the coming
times.
- Mamita
- Angel
Dear Kratika,