There’s something hypnotic about Shraddha Kapoor in motion. One moment, she’s vibing to the playlist she queued up herself, the next, she’s discussing her character arc with a precision that makes you sit up and listen. The energy of the room shifts in an almost tangible way. When Kapoor steps onto the set, the air becomes electric—suddenly effervescent, punctuated by her easy laughter and playful banter. She moves through the crew with warmth, bringing conversations to life and infusing every corner with her unmistakable vivacity. Yet, when she steps away to change outfits or prepare for the next shot, there’s a noticeable lull, the quiet seems pronounced.
For an actor often associated with romance and bubbly effervescence, Kapoor’s career has spanned a far more layered spectrum. While the massive success of Stree and its 2024 sequel, Stree 2, cement her as a bankable star, her body of work reflects a willingness to take risks and explore unconventional narratives. The chilling transformation in Haseena Parkar, or her hauntingly poised Ophelia in Haider, showcases a depth often overlooked in an industry quick to pigeonhole.
Kapoor, however, remains grounded in her approach. “I do what I want to do,” she says, underlining that her choices are guided by intuition. “I’m not in a rush to sign films back-to-back… following my heart is what keeps me grounded.” Reflecting on her early days, she acknowledges that the road to success has been anything but smooth. “Failure is indeed a very powerful teacher and a very important stepping stone towards success. I gave countless auditions at the beginning of my career. I was even finalised for a few films and then replaced. At that time, it was very demotivating. But those experiences have made me who I am today. I cherish every aspect of my journey.”
It’s this same ethos of wholehearted exploration that led her to venture into the entrepreneurial world. Styling herself in pieces from Palmonas, her co-founded demi-fine jewellery brand, Kapoor exemplifies the modern creative who doesn’t confine herself to one identity. “You have one life, so why not pursue every dream you have?” she shares. The brand’s ethos mirrors her own—high-quality yet accessible, grounded yet ambitious. On set, her jewellery sparkled alongside her radiant energy, a fitting metaphor for Kapoor’s ability to merge elegance with everyday relatability. And while many actors might defer to stylists, Kapoor’s instinct for accessorising reflects her penchant for diving into the details, whether on screen or off.
It’s impossible to discuss Kapoor without mentioning the quiet strength that underpins her persona. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned from my dad is to stay humble and grateful,” she shares. Her father’s journey—from his start without any film connections to becoming a celebrated actor—resonates deeply with Kapoor, shaping her own path in an industry where lineage often defines opportunity.
Kapoor’s work ethic is reflective of her upbringing—one that values persistence and gratitude in equal measure. But she balances this tenacity with mindfulness. Whether it’s through meditation, journaling, or simply spending time with her dogs, Kapoor underscores the importance of self-reflection in an otherwise fast-paced life. “Living a balanced life is non-negotiable,” she notes.
Her beauty routine, too, mirrors this ethos of balance. “I swear by icing before makeup, good skincare products, and healthy eating,” she reveals. Kapoor’s secret weapon? A love for essential oils, which she (sometimes) blends herself, describing it as a “fun, almost meditative” activity. Fitness is equally adaptive for Kapoor, ranging from yoga to high-intensity interval training. But it’s her love for dancing that remains a constant, a joyful extension of her effervescent energy. Kapoor’s approach to wellness is refreshingly accessible: simple habits elevated by consistency and intention.
If her evolving filmography reflects her artistic instincts, her recent discovery of psychologist Jordan Peterson hints at a cerebral side. “He’s a revolutionary thinker, someone who will be known as the Freud of our generation,” Kapoor remarks, adding depth to a persona often overshadowed by her commercial appeal.
Kapoor, in 2024, is a woman unafraid to explore new territories—be it genres, industries, or philosophies. Her on-screen charm is only part of the story; it’s her off-screen curiosity and relentless hustle that reveal a personality as multifaceted as her career. As we wrap up our time on set, it’s hard not to be struck by the clarity with which Kapoor approaches her life and work. She may still be Bollywood’s darling, but she’s carving a legacy that’s entirely her own.
ELLE India Editor: Ainee Nizami Ahmedi; Photographer: Prasad Naik; Fashion Director: Zoha Castelino; Asst. Art Director: Alekha Chugani; Words by: Kannagi Desai; Makeup: Shraddha Naik; Hair Stylist: Nikita Menon; Editorial Coordinator: Anushka Patil; Assisted by: Komal Shetty (Lead Stylist), Idris Nidham, Barnaa Raha (styling), Zehra Ahmedi (bookings); Production: CutLoose Productions; Artist Reputation Management: Spice PR
