The landscape of Hindi cinema has seen a dramatic shift, with leading actresses now playing pivotal roles not just on screen but also at the box office. Among the top contenders in Bollywood, Shraddha Kapoor and Deepika Padukone have emerged as powerful forces, each with their unique strengths and fan following. While Shraddha Kapoor’s recent success with Stree 2 has sparked discussions, the question remains: Can she reach the same heights as Deepika Padukone?
‘Stree 2’: A Major Success for Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor has proven her box office potential with the blockbuster hit Stree 2. The film, which is a sequel to the 2018 hit Stree, has been a resounding success, earning an impressive ₹424 crore in just 14 days. Despite the presence of talented actors like Rajkummar Rao, Pankaj Tripathi, and Abhishek Banerjee, it is Shraddha who has grabbed the spotlight with her powerful portrayal of the mysterious woman with the iconic braid.
The success of Stree 2 has positioned Shraddha Kapoor as one of the top actresses in the industry. The film has not only surpassed the box office collections of major films featuring stars like Hrithik Roshan, Ajay Devgn, and Akshay Kumar but also outperformed female-centric films of other leading actresses such as Alia Bhatt and Kangana Ranaut. However, Shraddha still faces the challenge of matching up to the phenomenal records set by Deepika Padukone.
Deepika Padukone’s Record-Breaking Achievements
While Shraddha Kapoor basks in the glory of Stree 2, Deepika Padukone’s achievements in Bollywood remain unparalleled. Deepika has set several milestones in her career that few actresses have come close to achieving.
1. The 1000 Crore Club: Deepika Padukone holds the unique distinction of having three consecutive films—Pathaan, Jawan, and Kalki 2898 AD—cross the ₹1000 crore mark at the global box office. This is a record that no other Bollywood actress has achieved so far. Shraddha’s Stree 2, despite its massive success, would need to triple its earnings to reach this benchmark. Deepika’s ability to consistently deliver blockbusters on such a grand scale sets her apart as one of the most bankable stars in the industry.
2. Part of Major Cinematic Universes: Another factor contributing to Deepika’s dominance in Bollywood is her involvement in two of the most significant cinematic universes in Hindi cinema—the YRF Spy Universe and Rohit Shetty’s Cop Universe. In the YRF Spy Universe, Deepika’s role in Pathaan alongside Shah Rukh Khan was instrumental in the film’s success. Additionally, she is set to make her mark in the Cop Universe with a role in Singham Again. Shraddha Kapoor, on the other hand, is yet to be part of any such high-profile franchises, which could further elevate her career.
3. Versatility and Action-Driven Roles: Deepika Padukone has successfully transformed her image from a romantic heroine to an action star, particularly with her performance in Pathaan, where she showcased her skills in high-octane fight sequences. This versatility has not only broadened her appeal but has also solidified her status as a leading lady capable of carrying action-packed roles. Shraddha, known for her roles in romantic dramas and light-hearted films, may need to explore more diverse and challenging roles to match Deepika’s range.
The Road Ahead for Shraddha Kapoor
Shraddha Kapoor’s rise to prominence with Stree 2 is commendable, and she has undoubtedly established herself as a major player in Bollywood. However, to reach the same level of stardom as Deepika Padukone, Shraddha will need to continue delivering hits and possibly take on more varied and challenging roles. While Stree 2 has been a significant milestone in her career, the journey to matching Deepika’s success is still long.
For now, Shraddha’s fans can celebrate her triumph with Stree 2, but the comparison with Deepika Padukone is a reminder of the heights she can still aspire to reach. As the competition heats up, it will be interesting to see how Shraddha Kapoor navigates her career in the coming years and whether she can carve out a legacy as impactful as Deepika Padukone’s in the ever-evolving world of Hindi cinema.
