As Stree 2: Sarkate Ka Aatank enjoys widespread box office success, the film’s lead actor, Shraddha Kapoor, finds herself at the centre of a debate. Just a week after the film’s release, Shraddha made headlines by becoming the third most-followed Indian personality on Instagram, surpassing even Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, while her rising follower count has been attributed to her relatable, girl-next-door image, critics argue that her popularity is largely driven by a relentless public relations machine.
Social media platforms are abuzz with divided opinions about Shraddha’s acting abilities. Many users have questioned her performances, with some even labelling her as “overhyped.” Co-actor Aparshakti Khurana, in an interview with Zoom, acknowledged the role of PR in her meteoric rise. “This is a PR game,” he said when asked about her increasing popularity despite having a limited screen presence in Stree 2. “If your channel goes and asks the audience, the original audience on the street, are they saying this? I want to know that. So, this is a PR game, I don’t want to comment on it.”
Online forums, particularly Reddit, have also seen a flood of comments dissecting her acting prowess. “Bad actress hides behind a relatable images shady (PR). She’s extremely cringe,” said one user. Another wrote, “Tries too hard to look simple and relatable, then unleashes her PR to claim she’s better than the Khans. Her fans feel like PR agents with multiple accounts.”
These sentiments reflect a broader scepticism surrounding Shraddha’s public persona. Critics point out the contrast between her off-screen appeal and on-screen performances. In a Reddit thread titled “Is Shraddha stressed?”, one user opined, “She has the potential to play love interests but not much else. Her acting is cringy.” Another commented on her role in Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar, saying, “She’s insufferable. I still cringe thinking about her confrontation scene with RK in TJMM.”
Despite the criticism, Shraddha’s dance numbers continue to draw praise, with fans appreciating her expressive face and fluid moves. However, her detractors argue that her acting range remains limited.
As Shraddha Kapoor’s stardom grows, the conversation around her talent and the influence of PR is likely to continue. Is her success a result of genuine talent, or is it a testament to the power of marketing in the age of social media?
