Shraddha Kapoor - #1 Source - Biography, Gallery, Picture & News -

She’s the true blue Miss Sunshine. Be it father Shakti Kapoor’s sting operation or being dropped by a big banner …nothing can mar Shraddha Kapoor’s mojo. Filmfare bets on tomorrow’s girl.

The daughter of the well-known Shivangi and Shakti Kapoor, Shraddha was inevitably introduced to the film industry at an early age. “My dad would come home with make-up on, his attire would be weird, his hair peculiar and I’d ask, ‘Why are you dressed like this, papa?’ I had no clue what movies were all about. To the extent she even thought he had supernatural powers!

Bubbling with life, she’ll ping you on your Blackberry and before you reply, she’s off to sleep. Her first words to me are always, “What’s the gossip Nandu?” That’s Shraddha, carefree and breezy. Her first film Teen Patti failed to make its mark at the box office. And her second outing, Luv Ka The End, also didn’t exactly create magic.

Shraddha always knew she wanted to face the camera. Her growing up years were envoloped in a bubble of compliments about her good looks and suggestions that she seek stardom. Teen Patti happened when producer Ambika Hinduja spotted her on her Brother Siddhanth Kapoor’s Facebook account.

“Before Teen Patti released, I auditioned for a really important film. I worked day and night and gave the audition my all. But I didn’t bag the part.” The film was Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s My Friend Pinto opposite Prateik. After Teen Patti released and tanked, Kalki replaced her in the film. In the process, she was offered a lot of trashy films. Plus, she got a lot of offers from the South for whopping amounts of money but refused because she wanted to concentrate on Hindi cinema.

But since she was a pretty face, she sure didn’t go unnoticed. One of India’s most prolific production houses, Yash Raj Films, called her for an audition. She knew she had her second lease of life. They gave her five scenes and two songs to prepare. I gave it my best shot and in a week even bagged the film!”

Director Bumpy’s Luv Ka The End seems to be a hit with the school and college going audience. It dealt with issues of an 18-year-old girl who decides to get back at her boyfriend for taking advantage of her. While the critics have panned the film for its lack of content, also calling it homophobic.

Our conversation veers into more serious territory. I’m very curious to know how it was growing up with father Shakti Kapoor who played the rogue everyone loved to hate. Didn’t she get into fights in school defending him? She smiles, “Well, I never found myself defending him but a lot of my friends were wary of meeting him. She avoids commenting on the ‘cringe factor’ some of her dad’s films were known for. She says, “I haven’t seen many of my dad’s films that had the cringe factor. I haven’t seen Naughty @ 40.

How did she feel about the sting operation on her father in 2005 where he named some industry personalities being involved in the casting couch syndrome? “You know those headlines, the sting operation and the whole scandal… I couldn’t take it the way they were talking about my dad. I just couldn’t watch it. But mom was actually the most pivotal, the strongest person at that point. I think my dad was made a scapegoat. While the entire family was affected, they recovered quickly thanks to mother Shivani’s strength, says Shraddha.

Her elder brother Siddhanth Kapoor is also set to make his entry into showbiz. Not so long ago the young lad found himself at the wrong place at the wrong time. The police raided a club he was partying at with his friends. Reportedly, drugs were found and being a star son the media spotlight was on him. While he was eventually given a clean chit, it was again a testing time for the family. Shraddha remembers, “A whole bunch of people were caught, weren’t they?

All this has only made the newest pin-up girl positive that the going is only going to get better. So is she single? “Maybe,” she answers. I ask her about her ‘close friendship’ with a certain Vanraj Zaveri and she quips, “Maybe. You’re getting none of this information out of me. It’s my personal life.” Single or not Shraddha has style and spunk like none other.

Where did you study acting?
I studied high school in Boston where acting was incorporated in my syllabus. Later, I learned diction and acting under Mohit Tugnait at home. For Teen Patti, we had workshops with Royston Abel and Barry John and of course, the numerous script readings and group meetings with our director Leena Yadav.

If not an actor, what would you want to be?
I would love to sing for my films and do a musical, but I can't see myself doing anything else right now other than acting!

Shraddha Kapoor tells that she bagged her debut role in Teen Patti on her own merit and not because she happens to be the daughter of Shakti Kapoor or the niece of Padmini Kolhapure.

What is your role in Teen Patti?

I play the role of Aparna Khanna who is a studious girl and is also a guitarist in her college’s music band. Aparna is a very intriguing person. The film is all about Aparna’s journey and how during the journey Aparna starts discovering things about her which surprise her.

Do you think Teen Patti is the right launching pad for a newcomer like you?

Teen Patti, let me reiterate is not a quintessential Indian cinema about boy meets girl. Nor is it about gambling. Gambling forms just the backdrop of the film Teen Patti. It is something which Indian cinema has not seen before. I thought that the script was very gripping and my role was well etched. I really felt that the film was good enough to be my launching pad.

To what extent could you relate to the character of Aparna in the film?

With my glasses on, I look like Aparna at home. I could relate to the role of Aparna to some extent since we look almost similar. The curiosity which both Aparna has and I have is another similarity between both of us.

Did you learn acting to equip yourself for the part that you are playing in Teen Patti?

I did not learn acting from any acting Institute. I learnt acting from my dad and Padmini mausi. As far as preparing for my part for the film Teen Patti was concerned, Mohit Tugnait taught me the nuances required for the role of Aparna.

How was the experience of working with an actor like Amitabh Bachchan?

I was extremely excited and also very nervous at the same time because I had got the opportunity to work with a legendary actor like Amitabh Bachchan in my very first film. The stature of the film was set automatically because of the presence of Amitabh Bachchan.

Did the fact that you are Shakti Kapoor’s daughter help you bag your first break easily?

Just because I happen to the daughter of Shakti Kapoor and the niece of Padmini Kolhapure, the role did not just land on my lap on a silver platter. I got my break on my own merit. Not many are aware of the fact that I had actually gone to audition for the role. It helped me that Ambika Hinduja who is the producer of Teen Patti had seen my picture on Face Book.

However, I would admit that the biggest advantage that I have is that people know me better even before I have made my debut as an actress because the media is more interested in me because I am the daughter of a celebrity like Shakti Kapoor. I also confess that I have more connections in the film industry because of dad and hence people know that I exist.

And what according to you is the flip side of the coin?

The flip side is that people will compare me with my dad and my mausi. All that I’d say is that even if I have 2 percent of the talent that they have, I’ll be happy.

How intimidating was it to share the frame with Amitabh Bachchan?

It was simply a great learning experience to work with an actor of the stature of Amitabh Bachchan. Amitji knew that he would unknowingly make us feel intimidated and hence he made it a point not to spare us and left no opportunity to pull our legs and make us shed our inhibitions and feel comfortable and at ease while working with him. In fact, I’d be worried if I was not asked to give a retake or Amitji did not give me any suggestion to improve myself.

What did you find interesting about Mr. Bachchan, as an actor?

It was interesting to note that Amitji used to cut himself off and be aloof whenever he had to do a serious scene. Amitji made me realize to what extent you have to go as an actor to go inside yourself to perform the character that you are playing.

What about your experience of working with R. Madhavan?

Working with an actor like R. Madhavan, who we used to call Maddy fondly was great fun. Maddy taught me a lot of card tricks while we were shooting on the sets for the film.

What kind of roles do you like to take up as an actress?

As an actress, I’d like to do a wide range of roles and be a part and parcel of what is known as versatile cinema.

Which films of your mausi do you like the best?

Prem Rog is my most favorite film among all the films in which my aunt Padmini Kolhapure has acted.

Who are your favorite directors?

Among the directors who I’d like to work with are Sanjay Leela Bhansali, Imtiaz Ali, Anurag Kashyap and Karan Johar, to name a few.

Who are your favorite actors and actresses today?

My most favorite actor among the stars of today is undoubtedly Ranbir Kapoor who has shown a lot of caliber even though he is only four films old till date. Among the actresses of today, I like Priyanka Chopra as well as Vidya Balan who are performers of the first order.

"Coming from a family with a background in movies, I always aspired to be an actress. I started learning Kathak while still in school,and when I was in the ninth grade, I started doing theatre. I trained in acting and diction under Mohit Tugnait. Ambika Hinduja, the producer of Teen Patti, saw my photographs on Facebook. It was only after we met that she learnt that I’m Shakti Kapoor’s daughter."

"I auditioned for the role and couldn’t have asked for a better debut, since the film features Mr Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley. For Teen Patti, we did many workshops with Barry John and Ashley Lobo. That taught me a lot about the finer nuances of acting. The role offers scope to portray a range of emotions."

"When you come from a film family, you can’t escape comparisons. Since I’m Padmini Kolhapure’s niece and Shakti Kapoor’s daughter, people will be waiting to see how good I am. If I can achieve even one iota of what my aunt achieved in her debut movie, it will be great. I want to do good work with notable filmmakers. I haven’t signed anything else yet. There are a couple of scripts waiting to be read. I’m waiting to see the response to Teen Patti before deciding anything."

Shraddha Kapoor, the pretty young actress who stars in Serendipity Films’ mathematical thriller, Teen Patti, has her net addiction to thank for landing her first role.

“Ambika (Hinduja, the film’s producer) and my brother Siddhanth are school friends. She saw my pictures in his friends list on Facebook, and thought, ‘Who’s this girl?’ She asked my bro if I’d be interested in her movie, and he answered, ‘Why not? Shraddha has always wanted to act,’” she narrates. Shraddha was then called for an audition, amongst many. “Pata nahin kitne hazaaron logon mein ek main bhi thi jisne audition diya!” she says.
First movie, first one to be short listed through a social networking site, and also sharing screen space with dad for the first time – too many firsts at the age of 19? But the teen doesn’t think she’s stepped too early into showbiz. “I always wanted to be an actor. I was even offered films when I was 15,” she says. But she did not accept any, for at that time, studies were a priority. “But now that I have finally begun, each day is a new experience,” says the teenager.

Growing up with a father who’s most popular as a villain did not bother Shraddha. Instead, she enjoyed watching her dad doing serious, negative, as well as comic roles. “It was such a pleasure watching him. He’s so versatile.” But when Shraddha had to be with him on the sets, she was a bundle of nerves. “I was extremely nervous that day. I’d always known him as a father, never as a co-actor. But it was fun too.” Now that she’s a part of Bollywood, any golden instructions from dad? She reveals, “He has never told me ‘Yeh mat karo, woh mat karo.’ Rather, he’s always said, ‘Jo mann mein aaye, woh karo. And enjoy the whole process.’” And she says that this also means that there would be no hassles locking lips or wearing skimpy attire on screen. “He has never taken decisions on my behalf. He knows that I will focus on the beauty of the role, and do whatever suits the script,” she insists.

Ask her if she thought life is a bed of roses for a star kid, and she has a clear take. “The only advantage of being a star kid is that you know a lot of people already. Newcomers don’t have any contacts, which is why they have a tough time. But beyond contacts, it is your own calibre that can draw the audience to a movie – my dad cannot help my movies be a success,” she states. Shraddha reiterates the fact that she gave an audition for her debut, just like the rest of the three debutantes in the film. “So I don’t see any great advantage.”

She’s got a similar take on having a famous surname. “I just hope I get successful, whether my surname is Kapoor, Sharma, Dutta, or anything!” she jokes. And who’d she like to work with in the future? “Ranbir Kapoor and Aamir Khan,” comes the reply.

How did you get the film?

The producer saw my picture on Facebook and got in touch with me.

Were you influenced by your father?

Definitely. My love for films developed naturally. I’d see dad going to work.

Did you train in acting?

After college I took lessons with Mohit Sugnayak. For Teen Patti, I trained with Royston Abel, Ashley Lobo and Barry John and had script readings with Leena Yadav, the director.

How was it meeting Amitabh Bachchan?

I first met him as a little girl at his Holi party. It was only on the first day of the shoot that I properly met him. I was nervous. But he came across as humble and approachable.

How was it acting with the Big B?

I remember this one scene, he was so kind he asked me, “Shraddha, would you like to do this scene from the top so that you get into the mood?” I thought that was thoughtful.

Tell us about your role?

It’s a shy studious girl’s journey from a young girl to a woman.

How is it to be part of this mega industry?

It’s a tiny step. It feels great that something I wanted to do is really happening. I’m looking forward to my stay here.

How do you view the competition today?

The industry is evolving and conventions are being broken, especially in this film where three boys and a girl are being launched. Personally, I am a big fan of good cinema.

How did your parents react to your debut?

Dad was more excited than me. Mum was happy too. Today when they see the promos they’re very excited.

How was it growing up with a film villain for a father?

The kids would ask me if he was strict. And when they came home, they’d see how funny he is and couldn’t believe it.

Shraddha Kapoor loves reading and is a huge fan of The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. She tells us about her favourite pastime and reveals facets of her personality.

Talking about her personality, she says, “I have my moods, but I am not drastically moody. I am quiet on some days and very hyper and loud on other days. I am not entirely reserved, but if I get along with someone really well, then I show a greater side of myself to them. I have very few close friends, who have been with me since childhood and they know me for what I am. I am approachable, but I have my boundaries.”

Shraddha’s world revolves around fun and enjoying the moment. “I like to have fun in whatever I do. Even when I am getting my hair and make-up done, that moment should be fun and enjoyable for me and everyone else. I like to be in the present moment. It’s good to interact with people and understand their point of view. You can learn from people who are younger and older than you. This should be an everyday process. More than anything, I like to enjoy moments,” she smiles.

Being Shakti Kapoor's daughter and Padmini Kholapure's niece, it's only a matter of time before Shraddha Kapoor followed in their footsteps.

Her debut is Leena Yadav's Teen Patti, a film starring Amitabh Bachchan, Sir Ben Kingsley and R Madhavan. Shraddha spills the beans about the whole experience.

You must have been over the moon when you found that you would be sharing screen space with Amitabh Bachchan and Sir Ben Kingsley...

Oh my God! I couldn't believe it! I still haven't absorbed it all. I was on top of the world and so was my family. I was also a nervous wreck. I kept thinking, "What if I goof this up? What will they think of me?" But after working with them, my fears subsided. They were very giving and I learnt so much from them. They were so open and had absolutely no airs about themselves.

I will always be grateful to Ambika [Hinduja, producer] and Leena for giving me the role.

Your father must be proud. How was it growing up as his daughter?

He is a very fun loving father and a very funny man at home too. He always makes us laugh. That doesn't mean he isn't strict when the situation demands it. But he would make me understand things about life using humour as a medium.

Did you wanted to do things but couldn't or wasn't allowed to because of your background?

There were certain things that were different. My father wouldn't let me travel by rickshaws, though I wanted to.

Did you visit him on the sets when he was working?

I used to. When I was big enough, he would let me watch fight sequences. He would always explain to me that what he did on screen was different from what he did in real life.

The fair, pretty, soft-spoken, dreamy, light-eyed girl is all of 20, and she is the promising new Kapoor on the Bollywood block. Read on to find out more about Shraddha Kapoor and her role in Teen Patti.

Her character, Aparna Khanna

“My character is called Aparna Khanna, and she is one of the four students in Teen Patti. With wavy hair, spectacles and baggy clothes, Aparna looks like a pretty, intelligent girl hiding behind her spectacles. About her character, she says, “Aparna is very quiet except that she is head-over-heels in love with her best friend Sid (played by Siddharth Kher). She gets into the game just so she can be with him. The game helps her discovers different, previously unseen facets of her personality and her life changes forever.”


Bagging 'Teen Patti'

“Ambika (Hinduja, the producer) was looking for a girl to play Aparna. She saw my photos on Facebook and contacted my brother Siddharth, who she knew from school. I had to audition several times before I was selected, and I was grilled by the director, producer and casting director. I remember telling my father (Shakti Kapoor) that I was absolutely sure about doing this movie. I was thrilled that I had bagged it.”

Shraddha Kapoor is all set to make her Bollywood debut with Leena Yadav’s Teen Patti.

Launch Vehicle
I play the character of Aparna Khanna, a studious, reserved girl with a lot of determination. Her heart belongs to her best friend Sid but he doesn’t see her in the same light. Hence, she becomes a part of the Teen Patti gang, following her heart, ready to show herself in a new light to him. During the course of the game, she realises the power of greed and how it can make a person do bad things.

First Audition
Ambika Hinduja, our producer, saw a picture of me on Facebook and got in touch with my brother, who happens to be her school friend. I was given the opportunity to read the script and decide if I was open for an audition. I still remember how thrilled I was and could feel my dream moulding into reality when I finally knew I was doing the film.

Stepping-Stone
I come from a film background. My father and aunts are actors
while my grand father’s cousin is Lata Mangeshkar. Growing up in such an environment, I developed a natural interest for the arts. When I was in school I used to be actively involved in our annual days and from the ninth grade onwards I was actively involved in theater and the fine arts. While preparing for Teen Patti, we (newcomers) trained with Royston Abel and Barry John for over four months along with numerous script readings and interactions with our director Leena Yadav and the rest of the cast. This surely made our focal point more narrow and it laid a solid groundwork before we started shooting.

First Shot
I remember the first day of shooting. It was on my birthday and we shot for the promo song. I was awestruck and overwhelmed by our surroundings, the hussle and bustle of the crew at work and of course, the entrance of Mr. Amitabh Bachchan himself. The first shot was of the six of us (prime cast) walking towards the camera and I will always cherish the fact that I was matching my steps with Mr. Amitabh Bachchan. Careful to put us all at ease, he instantly connected with all of us with his most humorous and jovial attitude. We shot for that scene at the Yash Raj
Studios.

Shraddha on the sets of Teen Patti
She's a celebrity kid, all of 20 and set to make her big screen debut in Leena Yadav's next film, Teen Patti early next year (and no, she's not been paid Rs one crore for the film as has been rumoured!). She has a lot of things going for her and she's terribly excited about her first media interview with CS. Here's introducing the new kid on the block, Shraddha Kapoor, Shakti Kapoor's little girl:

Filmi Fundas
Although I've only worked on one film so far, I feel I have already grown as an artiste. Teen Patti has helped me broaden my vision and has been a great source of learning. Directed by Leena Yadav, it stars Amitji (Bachchan), R Madhavan and three other new guys -- I'm sorry I can't talk more about the project just yet. But I can say that I am not charging Rs 1 crore for the film!

Bollywood Dreams
I want to make a special place for myself, not only in the hearts of the audience, but also in their lives. I want to be remembered by the roles I play. Movies have always been a very important part of my life, ever since I was a little kid. I used to devour my dad and aunt's (Padmini Kolhapure) films. I also love foreign cinema. I watch a mixed bag of films -- my all time favourites would be Pyaasa, The Shawshank Redemption and Central Station, which is a Portuguese film.

Papa "the Great"
I'm not sure if I've inherited a comic streak from my dad. I'll only find that out when I'm playing a role like that. But, I do love to laugh and be a part of a funny moment. I also thrive on comedies. My dad not only rocks as a funnyman, but he is also an awesome father to me. I value his advice since he's such a seasoned actor. But, he always leaves the decision-making to me. One advice that he's given me is to always stay true to my craft and let go of my inhibitions. After observing him I've learnt that there is no substitute for hard work. I can't wait to put these lessons into practice!

Best of luck, Girl! :)

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Source: mid-day.com