In the glittering world of Bollywood, where success stories are often celebrated, one of its leading ladies, Shraddha Kapoor, has candidly shared her early trials in the industry. Kapoor, who is currently basking in the glory of her latest blockbuster “Stree 2,” recalled the challenges she faced during her debut. Despite hailing from a prominent film family, Kapoor’s journey wasn’t as seamless as one might expect.
“Stree 2,” the sequel to the 2018 hit “Stree,” has shattered box office records, becoming the first Indian film to cross the Rs 600 crore mark. The film, which explores the eerie and hilarious adventures in the haunted town of Chanderi, stars Rajkummar Rao, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, and Pankaj Tripathi alongside Kapoor. Its success has placed Kapoor firmly in the spotlight, highlighting her significant growth in the film industry. However, Kapoor’s path to success wasn’t without its struggles.
In a revealing interview with Cosmopolitan, Kapoor opened up about her difficult early days on the set of her debut film “Teen Patti.” Released in 2010, “Teen Patti” featured Amitabh Bachchan in a lead role but performed poorly at the box office. Yet for Kapoor, who was only 20 or 21 at the time, the experience went beyond box office numbers. She described feeling overwhelmed and misplaced in the unfamiliar world of movie-making.
“I remember on the second or third day, I had a breakdown and told my mom I didn’t want to go back,” Kapoor recounted. “I didn’t understand this world since I had never AD’ed on a film set. People were not always nice. If you were a ‘somebody,’ you would be spoken to differently, and if you were a ‘nobody,’ you would be treated like that.
. It was disheartening.”
Kapoor’s words resonate with many newcomers struggling to find their footing in competitive industries, regardless of their backgrounds. Her candidness sheds light on the often unspoken reality that even those with family connections are not immune to the challenges faced by newcomers.
Despite these early setbacks, Kapoor found her breakthrough with the 2013 romantic musical “Aashiqui 2,” opposite Aditya Roy Kapur. The film’s success propelled her into the limelight, establishing her as a talented actress and opening doors to a slew of notable projects. Kapoor’s perseverance and dedication to her craft have contributed significantly to her career’s upward trajectory.
Reflecting on her journey, Kapoor acknowledged the tougher challenges she faced with “Teen Patti” compared to her subsequent films. “My first film felt far more challenging,” she said, “It taught me the importance of being confident and kind, especially to those who are a little lost or still learning.”
Fast forward to her current success, “Stree 2” is receiving praise not only for its thrilling narrative but also for its social commentary. The sequel addresses contemporary themes by introducing a sinister entity that targets modern, empowered women, diversifying its horror-comedy formula and attracting new audiences.
Throughout the film, Bicky (played by Rajkummar Rao) and his friends join forces with the enigmatic Stree to protect their village from the new threat posed by Sarkata. This marks a shift from the original film’s plot, which featured a ghost that preys on men, indicating progress in the storyline’s scope and the filmmakers’ ambition.
Kapoor’s achievements with “Stree 2” demonstrate her resilience and growth as an actress. Her journey from the struggles on the set of “Teen Patti” to the triumphant success of “Stree 2” showcases a career built not just on talent, but on determination and learning from challenges. As Kapoor continues to evolve in the industry, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
