While Shakti Kapoor’s filmography mainly consists of villainous and comedic roles in 90s and 2000s Bollywood, his daughter Shraddha Kapoor wanted to take a different path. Since her debut in 2010, she has worked in a range of films, evolving from an actress who was trying to find her footing in the film industry to a versatile performer.
Her first two movies, Teen Patti and Luv Ka The End didn’t leave a mark and have largely faded into the Bollywood abyss, she has routinely come back stronger. Though her list of films isn’t particularly long, she’s experimented with characters across genres, with her biggest strength being her ability to blend her bubbly and charming personality with more mature and risky roles.
Here are ten of Shraddha Kapoor’s best films and where to watch them with JustWatch’s streaming guide.
Aashiqui 2 (2013)
Directed by Mohit Suri, Aashiqui 2 (inspired by A Star Is Born), is a romantic drama of two people in a toxic relationship that slowly spirals into alcoholism. Shraddha Kapoor had her breakout role as an up-and-coming singer in this film and was lauded for her emotional range and chemistry with co-star Aditya Roy Kapur. The movie is raw and real, with a tragic arc following two broken souls on bittersweet paths, all elevated with an unforgettable soundtrack.
For anyone who enjoys love stories centered on addiction, sacrifice, and the kind of heartbreak that makes you sob, Aashiqui 2 is one of the best movies in the genre. If you loved Kal Ho Naa Ho, with the same core themes of loving someone and losing them, this film will resonate. Shraddha brings vulnerability with innocence to her role, with both actors’ performances leaving a long lasting impression.
Stree (2018)
Stree is perfect for fans of smartly written horror comedies that are molded after ancient folklore. As the first installment of the Maddock Horror Comedy Universe, Shraddha’s role as the titular Stree is both delightful and mischievous. She gets to loosen up and have fun with the character, appearing charming one moment and menacing the next. Romance isn't central to the plot; instead, the entertaining movie is infused with humour and comments about gender roles in a way that doesn't come off as preaching.
If you liked Bhool Bhulaiyaa for its clever comedy and thrilling horror, Stree will be right up your alley! After the climax left audiences with more questions than answers, Stree 2 was released six years later with Shraddha reprising her role as the mysterious witch. Though not a purely horror film, Stree is for anyone who likes a good thrill but without the extreme jump scares.
Ek Villain (2014)
How far would you go for someone who changed you, only to have them brutally taken away? Ek Villain answers that question. Starring Sidharth Malhotra and Shraddha Kapoor, Ek Villain is perfect for those who love watching dark romances with a revenge arc. Shraddha plays an earnest, optimistic woman grappling with a terminal disease, who falls in love with a hardened gangster.
While her character does feel like a plot device at times, her sunshine energy humanizes the more shadowy parts of the story. Both Aashiqui 2 and Ek Villain are tragic romances, but the latter’s plot is drenched with vengeance instead of melodrama. If you enjoyed movies with love-loss-revenge themes, like Kaabil and I Saw The Devil, then you’ll like this one.
Chhichhore (2019)
Chhichhore is a feel-good drama great for anyone who craves the nostalgia of their free-spirited college days. The movie sends an uplifting message about success, failure, and finding support in your friends no matter the circumstances. Shraddha Kapoor plays her character as a friend and mother with warmth and affection.
Her presence is that of an emotional anchor, and though parts of the movie can feel clichéd, Shraddha holds her own within the ensemble, without overshadowing any one character. If you loved 3 Idiots for its themes of friendship, overcoming failure with an “all is well” attitude, along with a tinge of romance, Chhichhore brings a similar vibe to the table.
Haider (2014)
Haider (adapted from Shakespeare’s Hamlet) is a moody drama rooted in Kashmir’s political turmoil. The movie’s haunting and dark atmosphere stands out in Shraddha’s usual light-hearted choices. Ek Villain was more of a commercial thriller, but shares the same dark, uneasy undertones as Haider.
Though her screen time is limited, every appearance is impactful and memorable, marked by a soft, subtle restraint. She holds her own amongst the film’s chaos. If you liked the intensity and layered storytelling in the rest of Vishal Bharadwaj’s Shakespeare Trilogy— Omkara and Maqbool, adaptations of Othello and Macbeth respectively—you’ll likely appreciate Haider as well.
Batti Gul Meter Chalu (2018)
Batti Gul Meter Chalu is a drama covering a relevant social issue, and blending it with light-hearted humour. The movie delivers a poignant message about electricity corruption and the journey to advocate for it. Though the chemistry between Shraddha Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor is solid, it takes a backseat as the social commentary is ultimately the star of the show.
Though the second half of the movie can come off as slightly preachy, Shraddha’s role of a confident lawyer carries the narrative, bringing vibrance and spirit to the courtroom scenes. Fans who liked their pairing in Haider, will enjoy their chemistry in Batti Gul Meter Chalu, though in a different avatar. If movies with social issues like Toilet: Ek Prem Katha or Pad Man appealed to you, then this movie delivers a charge (no pun intended!)
Haseena Parker (2017)
Haseena Parker is a crime biopic about notorious Mumbai gangster Dawood Ibrahim’s sister and her rise to becoming a powerful figure called “Aapa” in a male-dominated underworld. The film is dark and gritty and is suited for viewers who are curious about the underworld and want to see morally gray women navigating intense situations.
Shraddha Kapoor “dons” on a completely gutsy, layered character as the titular Haseena; a complete departure from her sweet, girl-next-door type of roles in OK Jaanu or Half Girlfriend. Though the story’s pacing drags a bit, Shraddha’s commitment to embodying the spirit of Haseena and delivering a dramatic performance makes this a formidable film. If you liked movies with strong, female led characters like Gangubai Kathiawadi or Raazi, this movie inspired by real-life events will appeal to you.
OK Jaanu (2017)
OK Jaanu is a modern-day romance movie exploring themes of commitment, ambition, and love, and how all those factors entwine together. In their second collaboration after Aashiqui 2, Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor return as Adi and Tara, who fall for each other but choose to keep things casual and chase their careers. This film is perfect for fans of feel good love stories detailing real world dilemmas faced by couples today.
If you liked their chemistry in Aashiqui 2, but wished for their characters to have a happy ending, then OK Jaanu fulfills that dream. Though the plot in itself isn’t anything extraordinary, it’s a soft movie with lots of heart. Shraddha performs her role in an understated and organic way, bringing a realistic vibe to the screen. If you liked Tamasha or Love Aaj Kal, then this movie should be on your list too; after all, fans would never say no to another pairing of Shraddha and Aditya!
ABCD 2 (2015)
Directed by Remo D’Souza, ABCD 2 is a dance drama that celebrates camaraderie, second chances, and chasing your dreams regardless of the cost. It follows Vinnie and Suresh as they try to come back from a public scandal by competing in a global dance competition. Though a standalone movie, it’s part of the ABCD franchise with a lot of the same characters reprising their roles in the sequel. The movie is a great pick for anyone who loves dance and underdog stories.
Even non-dancers can appreciate the incredible choreography and dance sequences in this film. Shraddha Kapoor steps into a charismatic, yet physically demanding role in this movie, and balances acting and dancing with ease. While the plot and its ending are predictable, each member of the cast delivers a passionate performance. They truly hold dance close to their heart and that mentality translates perfectly onto the screen. If you liked movies like Step Up, ABCD 2 will hit the mark.
Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (2023)
After last being seen on screen in 2020, Shraddha Kapoor returns with Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar, a rom-com full of humour, relationship drama, and the complications that come with being a modern couple. Paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor for the first time, Shraddha plays her role with sass and confidence. Where in Aashiqui 2 she is real and grounded, her character in TJMM is the complete opposite—playful and bold.
If you enjoy an urban romance with themes of commitment and emotional immaturity like Love Aaj Kal (2020), then TJMM takes that vibe to the next level with more comedy and witty dialogues. It’s a breezy watch, perfect for a relaxed night at home when you just want to switch off your brain and enjoy the entertaining ride.
