Is There Anything Shraddha Kapoor Cannot Do?

She can act, she can sing, and she can pop and lock like a pro. Is there anything Shraddha Kapoor cannot do? Ruman Baig chats with the young firebrand to find out what makes her tick.

- Ruman Baig

Slow and steady is how one can best define Shraddha Kapoor’s Bollywood innings. Before she tasted the pathbreaking success of Aashiqui 2 in 2013, her previous films Teen Patti (2010) and Luv Ka The End (2011) met with lukewarm responses at the box office. It was only after her third film that Kapoor was finally recognised for her acting chops, and she hasn’t disappointed since. Not one to be typecast in a genre, the actor has constantly challenged herself by playing versatile roles—be it the girl-next-door Aarohi in Aashiqui 2, the multi-layered protagonist Arshia Lone in Haider, the vivacious optimist Aisha in Ek Villain, and the inimitable hip-hop dancer in the ABCD franchise.

Her film Saaho is proof that the actor is far from restricting herself to an industry, leave alone a genre. She lets us in on her journey, and what lies ahead.

Each role that you have essayed so far has required you to step out of your comfort zone. Is that something you actively look for while signing a project?

As an actor, I want to be a part of different films, take on versatile roles, and push boundaries. The bar was set high with ABCD 2. Thus, in Street Dancer, it was crucial to outdo that performance, and I have recieved a great response.

You practically grew up in Bollywood’s backyard as Shakti Kapoor’s daughter. How much did knowing the ins of this industry help you in dealing with your own career trajectory?

The irony is that my father has never picked up the phone to get me to meet anybody, and I feel like somewhere I’ve had to carve my own path. I have auditioned for many roles, and faced several rejections. I am grateful for them because they have made me the person I am today.