What makes Stree 2 actor Shraddha Kapoor an Instagram sensation

 

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With successful films such as Aashiqui 2 (2013), OK Jaanu (2017) and Chhichhore (2019) to her credit, Shraddha is counted as one of India’s top stars. Yet, her public image is that of a simple and unassuming person. She often posts photos of eating ghar ka khana; enjoying a vada-pao, lazing at home in pyjamas; playing with her dog Shylo, and glimpses of celebrations at home. She makes public appearances without make-up; in jeans and tee or comfy salwar-kameez; and even seen travelling in an auto. Barring some rare occasions, nothing about her appearances points at ‘luxe’ or ‘couture’.

Though it’s unclear if the Stree actor consciously created this image or chose to stick to it after it proved to be effective, it has definitely helped her win legion of fans. Unpacking her social media popularity, a Mumbai-based publicity and branding expert who didn’t wish to be named, says: “Everything about her is relatable — from the clothes she wears to the brands she carries.”

Also Read | How Rajkummar Rao-Shraddha Kapoor’s Stree 2 success launched a PR war for credit: Whose Stree is it anyway?

Over the years, she has acquired a loyal fandom. “That has traditionally been the privilege of male stars since fans of female stars are known to admire more than one person,” the expert says. What has contributed to this fandom is Shraddha’s fun, interactive posts as well as her light-hearted response to fans’ comments. Unlike other stars, she is known for going through direct messages and responding to them, at times.

Shraddha seems to have established a bond with them, albeit digitally. When Shraddha bought a red Lamborghini and videos of her doing puja of the new vehicle went viral last year, many criticised her for splurging and showing off but her fans came to her defence. Their argument was that she was afterall a prominent star and has every right to indulge in something she fancies.

While determining the film she would do next, Shraddha keeps the audience as well as her choice in mind. During our conversation, the actor expressed her wish to be “part of great stories and play memorable characters”. For her, the story comes first. She says: “It starts with the question if the character would inspire and entertain me. Rest of the criteria follows after that.” Coming from a film family — her father is Shakti Kapoor and mother Shivangi Kolhapure — she feels blessed to be part of Indian cinema. “I have the privilege of entertaining people and putting a smile on people’s faces. It has been absolutely amazing,” says the actor, who has been making all her public appearances in red keeping her Stree 2 character in mind.

Even though she has been called a “bankable star” by people in the industry, she is more keen on knowing what the audience wants. “The audience has become picky. That will push us to make better and more entertaining films. People are not going to theatres only to see stars. They want gripping stories too,” she says.

Also Read | Stree 2 movie review: Shraddha Kapoor, Rajkummar Rao film dumbs down a sharp premise

 

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Though Shraddha was recently seen driving co-star Varun Dhawan to Stree 2’s success party in her Lamborghini, she is rarely seen in parties. Is she more of a homebody? “I do attend parties but I try to stick to my bedtime. I also love spending time with Shylo; reading a book; and having haldi ka doodh before going off to sleep. I love waking up early and having chai with my family,” says the actor, who believes that “these simple things make life amazing”.