Veteran actor Shakti Kapoor has firmly dismissed rumours that his daughter Shraddha Kapoor is lagging behind her contemporaries in Bollywood, insisting that the actor is simply highly selective about her projects, and actually commands a higher fee than many of her peers.
Shakti explained that Shraddha prefers to work on a limited number of films each year, choosing quality over quantity and turning down projects that do not align with her personal and professional principles.
The actor addressed the topic during a recent appearance on The Powerful Humans podcast on YouTube, where he spoke candidly about his bond with Shraddha and her approach to work.
When asked about claims that Shraddha has had fewer opportunities than actors such as Alia Bhatt and Ananya Panday, Shakti was quick to respond.
He said, "Woh picturein hi kam karti hai. Best karti hai. Par paisa zyada leti hai. In sabse zyada paisa leti hai. She does just one or two films a year. (She does very few films. She picks the best films, and charges more than all these people)."
He stressed that her limited filmography is a conscious choice rather than a lack of offers, dismissing speculation about her career struggles with a laugh and adding sarcastically, "She is not getting work?"
Speaking about Shraddha’s personality, Shakti described her as fiercely independent and principled.
He said, "Bahut ziddi hai… She is very stubborn and does what her heart says. She has certain ethics and follows them strictly… We share a great relationship. Sometimes we fight, sometimes we plan holidays, sometimes we discuss films. I am very proud of her, her performances are outstanding. She is a very fine actor."
Shraddha was last seen in the horror-comedy Stree 2 alongside Rajkummar Rao, a film that went on to become a major box-office success. She also recently voiced the character Judy Hopps in the Hindi version of Zootopia 2.
Looking ahead, Shraddha has an eclectic slate of projects lined up. She is reportedly set to star in Pahadpangira, the prequel to Tumbbad, and is also associated with the supernatural drama Naagin.
Additionally, she is expected to return in Stree 3 and appear in Bhediya 2. The actor is also believed to be part of Eetha, a biographical drama based on the life of renowned Marathi folk artist Vithabai Narayangaonkar.