It has been five years since Kriti Sanon stepped into the shoes of a small-town dancer with big dreams, and the journey since then has been nothing short of extraordinary. On July 26, 2026, the actress marked the fifth anniversary of her National Award-winning film, Mimi, with a wave of nostalgia and a simple but powerful message for her fans: thank you .
As she reshared fan-made edits and threw back to memorable moments, Kriti’s celebration was not just about a film. It was a reflection on a project that completely changed the way the industry saw her and continues to inspire audiences.
How Kriti Sanon Marked the Milestone
Kriti Sanon took to social media to celebrate the occasion with the people who matter most: her supporters. She reposted a heartfelt collage created by a fan, which featured stills from the film capturing its emotional, comic, and heartwarming moments .
The artwork bore the title “Mimi Completed 5 Years” and carried a message that resonates deeply with anyone who watched the film: “5 Years of Laughter, Tears, Strength & Inspiration. Mimi will always stay in our hearts” .
In a separate post that likely gave her fans chills, Kriti reshared a video of her walking up to receive her prestigious National Award. Her caption was short, sweet, and full of gratitude: “5 years to Mimi. Thank you for all the love” .
Why Mimi Was a Turning Point for Kriti
Before Mimi, Kriti was already a popular name in Bollywood, known for her roles in films like Heropanti and Bareilly Ki Barfi. But Mimi was different. It was the first time she shouldered a film entirely on her own, carrying the emotional weight of a complex story .
She played a surrogate mother who faces immense social and emotional challenges, and the performance left no one indifferent. For Kriti, winning the National Award for Best Actress at the 69th National Film Awards was more than just a trophy. “I felt like I shattered some notions people had about me, and I was ready for more,” she had said in an earlier interview .
It wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a personal victory. In fact, her director, Laxman Utekar, had predicted the win even while they were shooting. “He always used to say, ‘Dekhna, aapko iske liye National Award milega,'” Kriti had recalled, adding that when it actually happened, she called him up and asked him how he knew .
The Legacy of ‘Mimi’ After Five Years
Looking back, it’s clear that Mimi was the launchpad for the second, more adventurous phase of Kriti’s career. She didn’t let the acclaim trap her in a comfort zone; instead, she used it to push boundaries .
Since then, she has delivered a string of memorable performances, proving her versatility time and again. Whether it was playing a robot in Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, a confident air hostess in The Crew, a complex dual role in Do Patti, or the intense love saga Tere Ishk Mein, Kriti has shown that she is not just a star, but an actor willing to evolve .
Film trade analyst Taran Adarsh summed it up well, saying that she is “raising the bar” and “challenging herself” with every project .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the film ‘Mimi’ about?
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Mimi tells the story of Mimi Rathore, an aspiring dancer from Mandawa who agrees to become a surrogate mother for an American couple. When the couple backs out, she decides to raise the child herself, facing societal judgment and personal challenges along the way .
2. Did Kriti Sanon win a National Award for ‘Mimi’?
Yes. Kriti Sanon won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Mimi at the 69th National Film Awards. The film also won Pankaj Tripathi a National Award for Best Supporting Actor .
3. Why does Kriti Sanon consider ‘Mimi’ a turning point in her career?
Mimi was the first film Kriti headlined on her own, and the response was overwhelming. The critical acclaim and the National Award gave her the validation and confidence to explore diverse, unconventional roles, moving away from being just a “glamorous heroine” to a performer who could anchor a story .
4. What other recent movies has Kriti Sanon done?
Since Mimi, Kriti has delivered several notable films, including Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya, The Crew, Do Patti, and Tere Ishk Mein. Her performance in Tere Ishk Mein was widely praised as yet another “career-best” by critics .
Conclusion: A Film That Will Always Stay in Our Hearts
Five years later, Mimi is more than just a film in Kriti Sanon’s filmography. It is a symbol of what happens when an actor takes a leap of faith and a director believes in them unconditionally. For the fans, it’s a reminder of a story that made them laugh, cry, and feel deeply.
Kriti ended her celebration by thanking her fans, but it seems the fans have just as much to thank her for. As she continues to reinvent herself, one thing is clear: the Mimi chapter is a milestone that will never be forgotten.
