Kriti Sanon celebrated her birthday with a special screening of her film Mimi, which was attended by her family. The makers of the film had a surprise in store for her. To celebrate her birthday they released in advance of 26 July.

Mimi also features Pankaj Tripathi, Manoj Pahwa, Sai Tamhankar and Supriya Pathak. Directed by Laxman Utekar the film will narrate a quirky tale of a feisty and carefree girl (Kriti) who becomes a surrogate mom to make money. Laxman Utekar has also written the movie's story and screenplay along with Rohan Shankar, who has penned the dialogues as well. 'Mimi' is a remake of Samroudhhi Porey's National Award-winning Marathi film 'Mala Aai Vhhaychy!' (2011). It is produced by Jio Studios and Dinesh Vijan's Maddock Films.

Kriti Sanon talking about the film revealed in an interview that she had to put on weight for her role of a surrogate mother, and how she could not shoot for any other project for some months due to this. Talking about setting aside a chunk of some months for the shoot of 'Mimi', Kriti said, "I had to put on 15 kgs in 2 months for Mimi which I could start losing only once I had completed the film."

In picture: Cake at Kriti Sanon's birthday celebration post the screening.

Kriti Sanon further added, "It made more sense to not take up any other project during the shoot and even till a few months after since I needed to lose the weight before starting any other project. I did let go of a lot of award show performances too in that period because dancing makes me lose weight very fast."

In picture: Kriti Sanon was all surprised as she arrived for the impromptu birthday celebrations.

Kriti Sanon in an exclusive chat with mid-day revealed how after a point gorging on food was naseauting. Kriti said, "I’m blessed with a great metabolism. Owing to this, it wasn’t easy for me to put on the kilos,” begins Sanon, who gave up her daily fitness regimen. She remembers how over eight weeks, she feasted to her heart’s content. What initially started out as a foodie’s dream soon became “nauseating”. From devouring the oiliest possible breakfast, to bingeing on sugary sweets, I had to stuff myself with food. Every two hours, I had to snack on something, even when I was not hungry. After a while, gorging on junk food was nauseating. I wasn’t allowed to do any kind of workout, not even yoga, which made me feel unfit."

Laxman Utekar, who previously directed her in Luka Chuppi (2019), talked about how he deliberately sent her goodies, week on week. "I sent across hampers loaded with delicious items that were sure to shock the weighing scale,” he quips. In an industry where vanity reigns supreme, the director is proud that Sanon took a leap of faith for her character. “Few actors place the sanctity of their craft above their stardom. Kriti is an artiste first. She knew she could burn off those calories later, but immersing herself into the character was the need of the hour."

Apart from 'Mimi', Kriti Sanon has an impressive lineup of films including 'Adipurush', 'Bachchan Pandey', 'Bhediya', 'Ganapath', 'Hum Do Hamaare Do' along with another unannounced project.

In picture: Director Laxman Utekar feeds Kriti Sanon the cake at the birthday celebrations.