Shraddha Kapoor’s jewellery brand has come under fire following accusations of plagiarizing designs from the renowned French luxury brand Cartier. The brand, co-founded by the Bollywood actress, specializes in demi-fine jewellery crafted from sterling silver and stainless steel, plated with 18-carat gold. While the brand aimed to offer affordable luxury, the allegations have sparked significant controversy on social media.
Reddit Sparks Debate with Side-by-Side Comparisons
The issue first gained attention on a Reddit thread, where users shared side-by-side comparisons of Shraddha’s jewellery designs and Cartier’s signature pieces, highlighting striking similarities. These comparisons quickly went viral, prompting widespread criticism and disappointment among netizens, who accused the brand of creating knockoffs of luxury designs.
Netizens Express Disappointment and Criticism
Social media users did not hold back in expressing their views. One user sarcastically remarked, “Plagiarism should just rebrand as ‘making things affordable.’” Another criticized the brand for lacking originality, stating, “They have the resources to create original designs. Why does a celebrity need to normalize knockoffs for affordability? It’s embarrassing.”
Humor Adds a Bollywood Twist to the Backlash
Humor also played a role in the backlash, with many drawing parallels to Bollywood culture. A popular comment referenced Shraddha’s father, actor Shakti Kapoor, by humorously stating, “Crimemaster Gogo ki beti se yahi ummeed thi,” a nod to his iconic role in Andaz Apna Apna. Another user jokingly wrote, “Everyone copies; nothing new. If Shraddha doesn’t sell us the copies, how will she get the originals for herself?”
Fans Defend Shraddha Amidst Growing Criticism
Despite the growing criticism, a section of Shraddha’s loyal fanbase attempted to defend her, calling her their “beloved babudi.” However, this defense was also met with skepticism. One user commented on the perceived double standards in the entertainment industry, saying, “If this was Alia, they’d have booked her for jail,” pointing to inconsistencies in how celebrities are held accountable.
A Shadow Over Shraddha’s Entrepreneurial Venture
The controversy has overshadowed Shraddha Kapoor’s foray into entrepreneurship, which she embarked on during a break from acting. While her brand aimed to combine style and affordability, the allegations of plagiarism have cast doubt on its originality and authenticity.
Balancing Career and Controversy
As the issue unfolds, Shraddha faces the dual challenge of addressing these allegations while maintaining her acting career. On the professional front, Shraddha recently appeared in Stree 2 in 2024 and has upcoming projects, including Stree 3, slated for release in 2027. Balancing her creative pursuits and entrepreneurial ambitions will be critical as she navigates this controversy.
A Lesson on Creativity and Accountability
The incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between inspiration and imitation in creative industries, especially when it involves prominent public figures. Shraddha Kapoor’s response to these accusations will likely determine the future of her brand and its standing in the highly competitive jewellery market.