Shraddha Kapoor Reacts to Becoming the Most Followed Indian Actor on Instagram: ‘People Want to See Who You Are’
Bollywood star Shraddha Kapoor recently celebrated a significant social media milestone. She surpasses some of India’s most prominent figures to become the second most-followed Indian celebrity on Instagram. With an impressive 93.6 million followers, she now trails only cricketer Virat Kohli, who boasts 270 million followers on the platform. Kapoor’s achievement places her ahead of even Prime Minister Narendra Modi in terms of Instagram popularity. Despite the staggering number, the actress has remained humble and focused on staying authentic.
Reflecting on her social media journey, Shraddha Kapoor expressed that she never anticipated her Instagram following would reach such heights. Speaking at a recent event, she emphasized the importance of being genuine in a digital world where many feel compelled to curate their lives for public consumption. “I never imagined that this would become a big thing, of having an X number of followers—it just happened,” she said. Shraddha believes that authenticity is the key to her success on social media, as people are drawn to the real person behind the celebrity. “People want to see who you are, so it is best to just be yourself,” she added.
In an era where social media platforms like Instagram are often criticized for fostering unrealistic standards and mental health issues, Shraddha’s perspective stands out. She encourages young people, especially her followers, to embrace who they truly are rather than getting caught up in the race for likes, comments, and followers. She highlighted how easy it is to get lost in the pressure to present a picture-perfect version of oneself, which can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. For her, staying authentic has been a crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy relationship with social media.
Known for her playful and down-to-earth persona, Shraddha’s Instagram account offers a refreshng contrast to the often highly curated feeds of many celebrities. Her posts range from candid moments, behind-the-scenes glimpses from film sets, to interactions with her fans. She often refers to her followers as her ‘Insta family’ or affectionately calls them ‘Shraddha Gems’ or ‘Babudis’. This strong bond between Shraddha and her fans is a testament to her genuine and approachable nature, which resonates deeply with her audience.
Shraddha’s approach to managing her social media is unique, especially for a star of her stature. She personally manages her account, preferring to keep her engagement with fans direct and sincere. She has often mentioned how much she enjoys reading comments from her followers, many of whom she finds incredibly creative. Shraddha noted that some of the responses are so witty and fun that she can’t resist replying, adding a personal touch that her fans truly appreciate.
Despite the positive experiences, Shraddha acknowledges the darker side of social media, where negativity and toxicity can sometimes prevail. However, she focuses on the brighter aspects of these platforms, particularly how they have allowed her to build a supportive and loving community. “The connection I share with my ‘Insta family’ feels so special, even though I haven’t met them in person,” she said, underscoring how meaningful these virtual interactions have become to her. For Shraddha, social media isn’t just a tool for self-promotion, but a space where she can truly connect with her audience on a deeper level.
On the professional front, Shraddha Kapoor has come a long way since her Bollywood debut. Her first film, Teen Patti (2010), where she played the role of Aparna Khanna, a college student, did not perform well at the box office. However, it was her role in Aashiqui 2 (2013) opposite Aditya Roy Kapur that catapulted her to fame. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri, became a massive hit and firmly established Shraddha as a leading actress in the industry. Since then, she has built an impressive filmography, showcasing her versatility across a variety of genres.
Some of her notable films include Ek Villain, Half Girlfriend, Chhichhore, Street Dancer 3D, Ok Jaanu, Haseena Parkar, and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar. Shraddha’s ability to take on different roles, whether in romance, drama, thriller, or dance films, has made her one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. Her charming on-screen presence and relatable persona have endeared her to millions, making her success on social media a reflection of her popularity in real life.
Most recently, Shraddha appeared in Stree 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 horror-comedy hit Stree. Reuniting with co-star Rajkummar Rao, the film has been a box office success, further cementing her position as one of Bollywood’s leading actresses. The horror-comedy genre, which blends humor and scares, has become one of her signature styles, and Stree 2 has proven to be a fan favorite in 2024. The film, which also stars Pankaj Tripathi, Abhishek Banerjee, and Aparshakti Khurana, has captivated audiences with its unique mix of laughter and thrills.
As Shraddha Kapoor continues to soar both on-screen and on social media, her message of staying true to oneself resonates deeply with her fans. In a world where digital personas often overshadow reality, Shraddha’s emphasis on authenticity serves as a reminder that it is okay to be imperfect and that true connection comes from being real. For her, Instagram is more than just a platform for sharing glamorous photos—it’s a space where she can be herself and celebrate her bond with the millions who support her. And as her following continues to grow, Shraddha remains grounded, ever grateful for the love she receives from her loyal fans.