Shraddha Kapoor Shares Advice on Pursuing Dreams at ET Women's Forum

Actress Shraddha Kapoor, reflecting on her extensive 15-year career in Bollywood, is now embarking on an exciting new chapter as an entrepreneur. Speaking at The Economic Times Women's Forum, Kapoor shared insights into her journey, emphasizing that her transition into business is significantly propelled by the unwavering support and inspiration she has received from the women in her life, particularly her mother. She highlighted the profound impact of her mother's consistent presence as a 'safety' net during her formative years, whether for school events, exams, or personal tiffs, instilling in her a strong foundation of support.
Kapoor, who boasts an impressive 93.7 million followers on Instagram, positioning her as one of India's top social media celebrities, firmly believes in the concept that 'empowered women empower women.' She attributes her widespread connection with her online audience—whom she affectionately refers to as her 'family on Instagram'—to her commitment to authenticity and a hands-on approach. This genuine connection, she explains, is her 'secret sauce,' fostering a welcoming environment for her followers over the past decade and a half.
Her entrepreneurial venture began from a personal consumer experience. Kapoor recounted her positive experiences buying from Palmonas, which eventually led her to consider a deeper involvement. While acknowledging that the financial intricacies of business are not her primary expertise, she expressed immense enjoyment in focusing her energy on enhancing customer experience. This includes actively seeking feedback, identifying areas for improvement, and constantly striving to offer customers an elevated and enriching experience with the brand.
A core message from Kapoor at the forum was a powerful call for women to cultivate 'thick skin' when pursuing their aspirations. She challenged the notion of rigid formulas for success, whether in building a school or making a film, asserting that the true vision resides solely with the founder. She underscored the importance of unwavering belief in one's unique path, dismissing external prescriptive methods that might deter individual creativity and drive.
Delving into her personal background, Kapoor shared that she hails from a distinguished film family, with her father being the iconic actor Shakti Kapoor, and a rich musical lineage from the Mangeshkar side, being the grand-niece of the late legendary playback singer Lata Mangeshkar. She was surrounded by strong, working women from an early age, learning invaluable lessons. She described her upbringing as predominantly 'matriarchal' and 'community-driven,' where her mother and other women in her life consistently made her feel seen and valued, for which she feels immensely blessed. Concluding her address with a vibrant and empowering declaration, Shraddha Kapoor vehemently dismissed the idea that women cannot achieve everything they desire, stating, 'I think we can have it all. The sky's the limit. We just need to know what we want – and go after it.'