Shraddha Kapoor (born March 3, 1987) is a popular Indian actress and singer primarily known for her work in Hindi cinema (Bollywood). She is the daughter of renowned actor Shakti Kapoor and made her acting debut in 2010 with the film Teen Patti. Kapoor rose to prominence with her role in the romantic drama Aashiqui 2 (2013), which became a massive commercial success and earned her critical acclaim. Over the years, she has established herself as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses, starring in a variety of films, including Ek Villain (2014), ABCD 2 (2015), Baaghi (2016), and Stree (2018). In addition to acting, Shraddha is also a trained singer and has lent her voice to several songs in her films. Known for her versatility and charm, she continues to be one of the most popular and influential figures in the Indian film industry.
Early Life and Family Background
Shraddha Kapoor was born on March 3, 1987, in Mumbai, India, into one of Bollywood’s most prominent families. She is the daughter of renowned actor Shakti Kapoor, known for his iconic comic and villainous roles in Indian cinema, and Shivangi Kapoor (née Kolhapure), who comes from the illustrious Kolhapure family of actors and musicians. Shraddha’s familial ties to the film industry, particularly through her aunt Padmini Kolhapure, a celebrated actress in the 1980s, set the foundation for her future in Bollywood.
Despite her strong connection to Bollywood, Shraddha’s parents were keen to ensure that she received a well-rounded education. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and later enrolled at the American School of Bombay, where she was a bright student and actively participated in extracurricular activities. It was here that she developed a love for the performing arts, particularly acting and singing.
Shraddha’s interests extended beyond acting. From a young age, she had a passion for music, a trait she inherited from her mother’s side of the family. Trained in classical singing, Shraddha showed early promise as a vocalist, and this talent would later play a significant role in shaping her career.
After completing her schooling, Shraddha briefly attended Boston University in the United States, where she pursued a degree in psychology. However, her love for acting soon pulled her back to India. Shraddha left her studies midway to return to Mumbai and pursue her dream of becoming an actress, much to the surprise of her family, who had always encouraged her to focus on academics.
Bollywood Debut and Early Struggles
Shraddha Kapoor made her acting debut in 2010 with Teen Patti, directed by Leena Yadav. The film featured an ensemble cast that included industry veterans like Amitabh Bachchan and Ben Kingsley. Shraddha played a small role in this thriller, which revolved around gambling and high-stakes academic games. Despite the high-profile cast, the film received mixed reviews and was a box-office failure. Shraddha’s performance, though brief, went relatively unnoticed, and the film did little to advance her career.
Undeterred by the disappointing debut, Shraddha took up another project, Luv Ka The End (2011), a teen comedy produced by Yash Raj Films. In this film, she played the role of a young woman who seeks revenge after being humiliated by her boyfriend. The movie targeted a younger audience and, while not a major commercial success, it showcased Shraddha’s ability to carry a film and garnered her some attention. Her role earned her the Stardust Award for Best Actress, which was an early indication of her potential.
Despite these efforts, Shraddha’s entry into Bollywood was not as smooth as she had hoped. She faced the usual challenges of being compared to other star kids and the pressure of living up to her family’s legacy. Yet, Shraddha remained determined to make her mark in the industry and continued to hone her craft.
Breakthrough with Aashiqui 2 (2013)
Shraddha Kapoor’s big break came in 2013 with Aashiqui 2, a musical romantic drama directed by Mohit Suri. The film, a spiritual successor to the 1990 hit Aashiqui, featured Shraddha opposite Aditya Roy Kapur. She played the role of Aarohi Keshav Shirke, a small-town girl who dreams of becoming a singer and falls in love with a troubled musician, played by Aditya. The film was a turning point in Shraddha’s career and catapulted her to stardom.
Aashiqui 2 became one of the highest-grossing films of 2013 and was praised for its soulful music and emotional depth. Shraddha’s portrayal of Aarohi, a vulnerable yet resilient character, struck a chord with audiences. Her on-screen chemistry with Aditya Roy Kapur was also widely appreciated. Additionally, Shraddha’s decision to lend her voice to some of the film’s songs, including the hit track “Tum Hi Ho,” showcased her singing talent and further endeared her to fans.
The success of Aashiqui 2 earned Shraddha several awards and nominations, including a Filmfare Award nomination for Best Actress. More importantly, it established her as a bankable star in the industry. The film’s massive success, both commercially and critically, opened the doors for more significant roles in Bollywood, and Shraddha quickly became one of the most sought-after actresses of her generation.
Continued Success: Ek Villain and Haider (2014)
Following the success of Aashiqui 2, Shraddha Kapoor continued her winning streak with two back-to-back hits in 2014. The first was Ek Villain, another Mohit Suri directorial venture. This action-thriller starred Shraddha alongside Sidharth Malhotra and Riteish Deshmukh. Shraddha played Aisha Verma, a terminally ill woman whose positive outlook on life inspires the protagonist, Guru (Sidharth), to change his ways. The film was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹1 billion at the box office. Once again, Shraddha’s performance was praised, and her soulful singing, particularly the song “Galliyan,” became a chart-topping hit.
Later in 2014, Shraddha starred in Haider, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. The film, an adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, was set against the backdrop of the Kashmir conflict. Shraddha played Arshia, a journalist and the love interest of Haider, played by Shahid Kapoor. Unlike her previous roles, Haider was a dark, intense film that showcased Shraddha’s ability to take on more complex and layered characters. Although her role was relatively small, Shraddha received critical acclaim for her performance, with many critics noting her growth as an actress. The film went on to win several awards, including five National Film Awards, and further cemented Shraddha’s reputation as a versatile performer.
Experimenting with Roles: ABCD 2 and Baaghi
In 2015, Shraddha took on a different challenge with ABCD 2, a dance-based film directed by Remo D’Souza. The film was a sequel to ABCD: Any Body Can Dance and featured Shraddha opposite Varun Dhawan. In ABCD 2, Shraddha played Vinnie, a talented dancer who aspires to win an international dance competition. The role required Shraddha to undergo rigorous dance training, and her dedication paid off as she impressed both audiences and critics with her dancing skills. The film was a major box-office success, grossing over ₹1.5 billion worldwide.
In 2016, Shraddha reunited with her Ek Villain co-star, Sidharth Malhotra, for Baaghi, an action-packed romantic drama directed by Sabbir Khan. Shraddha played Siya, a headstrong woman who becomes entangled in a violent love story. The film featured high-octane action sequences and intense martial arts choreography, with Shraddha performing some of the stunts herself. Baaghi was another commercial success and spawned a franchise, although Shraddha did not return for the subsequent sequels.
Shraddha’s success in ABCD 2 and Baaghi solidified her position as one of Bollywood’s most bankable stars. Her ability to adapt to different genres—whether romance, thriller, or action—showcased her versatility, while her on-screen presence and charisma helped her build a massive fanbase, both in India and internationally.
Expanding Horizons: Ok Jaanu and Half Girlfriend (2017)
In 2017, Shraddha Kapoor starred in Ok Jaanu, a romantic drama directed by Shaad Ali. The film was a remake of the Tamil hit O Kadhal Kanmani and reunited Shraddha with her Aashiqui 2 co-star, Aditya Roy Kapur. In the film, Shraddha played Tara, a young woman navigating a live-in relationship while pursuing her architectural career. Although the film received mixed reviews, Shraddha’s performance was appreciated, and her chemistry with Aditya once again shone through.
That same year, Shraddha starred in Half Girlfriend, based on the novel by Chetan Bhagat. Directed by Mohit Suri, the film featured Shraddha as Riya Somani, a wealthy and free-spirited woman who shares a complicated relationship with the protagonist, played by Arjun Kapoor. While Half Girlfriend did not receive favorable reviews from critics, it performed moderately well at the box office, and Shraddha’s portrayal of Riya earned her praise for her emotive acting.
Haseena Parkar and Venturing into Biographical Roles
In 2017, Shraddha Kapoor took on one of the most challenging roles of her career with Haseena Parkar, a biographical crime drama directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film was based on the life of Haseena Parkar, the sister of notorious gangster Dawood Ibrahim, and followed her transformation from an innocent girl to a feared underworld figure. Shraddha’s performance in the film marked a significant departure from her previous roles, as she underwent a physical transformation and adopted a more serious, intense persona.
While Haseena Parkar received mixed reviews, Shraddha Kapoor’s portrayal of Haseena Parkar was praised for its sincerity and dedication, though the film itself did not perform well at the box office. It was a departure from her typical glamorous roles, allowing her to showcase her range as an actress. The biographical genre was new territory for Shraddha, and although the film’s commercial performance was underwhelming, her ability to take on such a complex and nuanced character demonstrated her desire to evolve as an artist. Many appreciated her commitment to portraying Haseena, particularly in terms of her physical transformation and emotional depth.
Stree (2018) – A Career Renaissance
In 2018, Shraddha Kapoor delivered one of the most memorable performances of her career with Stree, a horror-comedy directed by Amar Kaushik. The film, which co-starred Rajkummar Rao and Pankaj Tripathi, was based on the urban legend of a female ghost who abducts men at night. Shraddha played a mysterious woman whose identity and motives remain ambiguous throughout the movie. Stree was both a critical and commercial success, grossing over ₹180 crore worldwide and emerging as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
The success of Stree was a turning point for Shraddha, as it showcased her comic timing and ability to balance humor with the suspense and eerie atmosphere of the film. Audiences loved her enigmatic performance, and her chemistry with Rajkummar Rao was a highlight of the film. Stree became a pop culture phenomenon and revitalized Shraddha’s career, marking her as a versatile actress capable of excelling in a wide range of genres.
Following the success of Stree, Shraddha cemented her place as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses. The film’s success was significant not only because of its box-office performance but also because it allowed her to step away from traditional romantic roles and experiment with more unconventional narratives. Stree remains one of Shraddha’s most iconic films and has helped her build a stronger rapport with both audiences and filmmakers in Bollywood.
Action and Drama with Saaho and Chhichhore (2019)
In 2019, Shraddha Kapoor took on two drastically different projects, showcasing her ability to tackle contrasting genres and characters. First, she starred in Saaho, a high-octane action-thriller alongside South Indian superstar Prabhas. Directed by Sujeeth, Saaho was one of the most anticipated releases of the year, with a massive budget and a grand scale. Shraddha played the role of Amritha Nair, a tough cop caught up in a complex web of crime, corruption, and conspiracy. The film was notable for its stunning action sequences, and Shraddha’s performance as an action heroine received positive feedback. While Saaho was a commercial success, particularly in the South Indian markets, it received mixed reviews for its narrative and pacing.
However, Shraddha’s second film of the year, Chhichhore, was a massive critical and commercial success. Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Chhichhore was a heartwarming coming-of-age drama that revolved around a group of college friends who reunite after years to support one of their own during a personal crisis. The film touched on important themes like mental health, academic pressure, and the importance of friendship. Shraddha played Maya, the female lead, who transitions from a carefree college student to a responsible mother over the course of the film.
Chhichhore was praised for its heartfelt narrative, relatable characters, and strong performances from the entire cast. Shraddha’s portrayal of Maya, a supportive mother and former free-spirited college student, was well-received, with critics praising her chemistry with co-star Sushant Singh Rajput and her ability to bring depth to a character that spans multiple time periods. The film became one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of 2019 and won several awards, further solidifying Shraddha’s status as a top-tier actress.
A Multifaceted Career: Singing, Endorsements, and Social Media Presence
In addition to her acting career, Shraddha Kapoor has made a name for herself as a singer. Her musical talent, first showcased in Aashiqui 2, has been a significant part of her career. Over the years, she has lent her voice to several songs in her films, including “Galliyan” from Ek Villain and “Sab Tera” from Baaghi. Her unique voice and emotional delivery have won her praise, and she has expressed her love for music on multiple occasions, citing it as a passion that runs alongside her acting career.
Shraddha’s versatility extends beyond the big screen, as she is one of the most popular and influential celebrities on social media. With millions of followers on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, Shraddha has a massive fanbase that spans across the globe. She uses her social media presence not only to connect with fans but also to promote various social causes. Over the years, she has been an advocate for environmental conservation, animal welfare, and mental health awareness, often using her platform to raise awareness and encourage her followers to take action.
Shraddha is also one of the most sought-after celebrities for brand endorsements. She has been the face of several major brands, including haircare, fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products. Her approachable and down-to-earth persona, combined with her glamorous image, makes her a favorite among advertisers. Shraddha’s influence in the world of fashion is evident through her red carpet appearances, where she is often praised for her style and elegance.
Challenges and Personal Growth
Despite her successes, Shraddha Kapoor has faced her share of challenges in the film industry. Being a star kid brought its own set of expectations, and she has often had to prove herself in an industry that is quick to compare and critique. Shraddha has spoken about the pressures of constantly being in the public eye, dealing with criticism, and navigating the competitive nature of Bollywood. However, her resilience and dedication to her craft have helped her overcome these hurdles.
Shraddha’s journey in Bollywood has been one of growth and self-discovery. From her early struggles to her breakthrough roles, she has continuously evolved as an actress. Over time, she has learned to balance the demands of her career with her personal life, prioritizing mental and physical well-being. She has often credited her close-knit family, particularly her parents and brother Siddhanth Kapoor, as a source of support and encouragement throughout her career.