FLYING high

With the biggest box office hit of the year and the second-largest social media following in the country, Shraddha Kapoor, is, true to her IG bio, living the dream

- MEHERNAAZ DHONDY

There’s no discussing 2025 without a doff to the year that was. In Bollywood speak, it was the year of the horror-comedy genre and sequels, and films like Stree 2 gave the audiences all the tropes required – demonic animations, jump scares, one-liners and gags, goofball cronies, and a chart-topping dance number – emerging as 2024’s highest grosser, smashing several box office records along the way. It’s clear why the year was such a winner for the ensemble cast of the film, which includes our cover girl of the month and perennial fan favourite Shraddha Kapoor.

‘I’ve had a spectacular year, being a part of a film that has been loved so much,’ says Kapoor over last night’s voice notes, sharing her version of 2024 wrapped, ‘the best is yet to come, but I’m extremely grateful for the year that I’ve had. Stree 2 has been such a special film for me right from its first part; back then, it was such a big deal to be doing a film that was going to be a part of a new genre.’ Her voice audibly perks up when she moves from talking about her film to other highlights of the year. ‘I was gifted my new puppy, Small, by a close friend. I have one pet already, Shyloh, and my brother has another dog called Smore. Also, some good times with my family, some great travel, so yes, it’s been a lovely year.’

Kapoor’s process doesn’t seem to be rushed – Stree 2 is only her second film in over four years (the other being rom-com Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, 2023) – and it’s something she’s vocal about. She says, ‘When you decide you want to accomplish something, I feel like it takes away from the process. I would rather focus on continuing to be a part of good films and do memorable work, and pour my heart and soul into it.’ She says she used to have lists of directors or production houses she’d want to work with, but now that process, too, has evolved and there is no template to follow.