Shraddha Kapoor, born either in 1987 or 1989, is a prominent Indian actress predominantly seen in Hindi cinema. Renowned as one of India’s highest-paid actresses, she has consistently graced Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2014 and was also recognized by Forbes Asia in their prestigious 30 Under 30 roster in 2016.

Daughter of renowned actor Shakti Kapoor, Shraddha embarked on her acting journey with a brief appearance in the 2010 heist film Teen Patti. Her first leading role came in the teen drama Luv Ka The End (2011). However, it was her portrayal as a singer in the immensely successful romantic musical Aashiqui 2 (2013) that marked her breakthrough, earning her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Actress. Notably, she showcased her talent in Vishal Bhardwaj’s acclaimed ensemble drama Haider (2014), portraying a character akin to Ophelia.

Shraddha’s prominence solidified with leading roles in films like the romantic thriller Ek Villain (2014), the dance drama ABCD 2 (2015), and the action-packed Baaghi (2016). Despite facing setbacks with some films, she bounced back with hits such as the comedy horror Stree (2018), the action thriller Saaho (2019), the heartwarming Chhichhore (2019), and the romantic comedy Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023).

Beyond her acting prowess, Shraddha has lent her voice to several film songs and serves as the face of various brands. In 2015, she ventured into the fashion industry with her own clothing line. Notably, on Instagram, she holds the distinction of being the second most-followed Indian actor.

Early life and background

Shraddha Kapoor, born and bred in Mumbai, embraces a diverse lineage—Punjabi from her father’s side and Marathi-Konkani from her mother’s. Raised in a Marathi cultural setting due to her maternal relatives in Maharashtra, she reminisces about her tomboyish childhood, attributing her strong attitude to deliberately picking fights with boys.

Hailing from an illustrious acting family—father Shakti Kapoor, mother Shivangi Kapoor, brother Siddhanth, aunts Padmini and Tejaswini Kolhapure—Shraddha’s lineage extends to legends like Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, and more. Her passion for acting sprouted early, emulating film dialogues, and dancing to Bollywood tunes in her parents’ attire.

She attended Jamnabai Narsee School and later the American School of Bombay, sharing school days with Tiger Shroff and Athiya Shetty, engaging in dance competitions. At 17, she delved into competitive sports like soccer and handball.

Initially pursuing psychology at Boston University, she left in her freshman year after being cast in Teen Patti, spotted via Facebook by producer Ambika Hinduja. Despite earlier film offers, including one from Salman Khan at 16, she initially aspired to be a psychologist. Shraddha, trained in singing from childhood, draws from her lineage of classical singers.

Career

Early work and breakthrough (2010–2016)

Shraddha Kapoor’s career embarked with varied outcomes. While her debut in “Teen Patti” (2010) received critical flak, her performance garnered praise, securing a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Female Debut. “Luv Ka The End” (2011) met mixed reviews, yet Kapoor’s portrayal earned critical acclaim, winning her the Stardust Searchlight Award for Best Actress.

However, her breakthrough arrived with “Aashiqui 2” (2013), earning widespread acclaim for her role as Aarohi. The film’s success catapulted her into the league of leading actresses. “Ek Villain” (2014) and “Haider” highlighted her versatility, garnering commercial success and critical acclaim. “ABCD 2” (2015) further solidified her popularity, emerging as a global hit.

Kapoor’s career trajectory showcased a commendable evolution, transitioning from initial mixed results to eventually becoming a recognized and versatile actress in the Indian film industry.

Career struggles (2016–2017)

In 2016, Shraddha Kapoor ventured into the action genre with “Baaghi” alongside Tiger Shroff, portraying a romantic yet action-packed role. While criticized for her character feeling outdated, her performance in both romantic and action sequences was generally deemed satisfactory. Despite this criticism, the film emerged as a commercial success. However, her other release that year, “Rock On 2,” where she played an introverted singer, faced negative feedback and failed financially.

The following year, 2017, proved challenging for Kapoor with her films “Ok Jaanu,” “Half Girlfriend,” and “Haseena Parkar.” Critically and commercially, these movies struggled, facing issues with performances and screenplay. The box office outcomes marked a disappointing phase in Kapoor’s career.

In 2018, Shraddha Kapoor experienced a turnaround with “Stree,” showcasing her in a mysterious character that earned acclaim for her icy yet captivating portrayal. The film emerged as her highest-grossing release. However, “Batti Gul Meter Chalu” faced production issues and received mixed reviews, particularly regarding Kapoor’s performance.

 

The subsequent year, 2019, brought mixed responses for Kapoor. In “Saaho,” an action film, her part faced criticism, yet “Chhichhore” received accolades for its portrayal of college life. Kapoor’s moving performance added depth to the narrative, marking one of her successful ventures.

Following this, “Street Dancer 3D” and “Baaghi 3” encountered commercial challenges due to the pandemic’s impact on theaters. The films struggled to perform despite her contributions.

After a hiatus, her return in “Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar” received moderate success. Kapoor’s controlled performance garnered appreciation amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic’s uncertainties.

Shraddha Kapoor’s career trajectory illustrates peaks and valleys, showcasing her versatility across genres. While some films faced criticism or commercial hurdles, her impactful performances in movies like “Stree” and “Chhichhore” garnered acclaim. Despite the varied outcomes, Kapoor remains a celebrated figure in Bollywood, navigating the industry with resilience and continuing to evolve as an actress. Her ability to adapt to diverse roles and deliver compelling performances suggests a promising journey ahead in the realm of Indian cinema.

Shraddha Kapoor with her father Shakti Kapoor.

Shraddha Kapoor shared a special bond with her father, veteran actor Shakti Kapoor, who made a cameo appearance in her debut film. This familial connection added a sentimental touch to Shraddha’s entry into the cinematic world. Shakti Kapoor, known for his diverse roles in Hindi cinema, briefly appeared in support of his daughter’s inaugural steps in the industry.

Their collaboration, albeit brief, marked a heartwarming moment and showcased a blend of their talents on-screen. The cameo not only highlighted Shraddha’s debut but also emphasized the familial camaraderie and the supportive relationship between father and daughter in the world of Bollywood.