In recent years, celebrities have increasingly ventured into entrepreneurship, and this trend extends to both men and women. Many prominent Bollywood actresses have pursued this shift by launching their own brands across various sectors, including fashion, fitness, clothing, beauty, etc.
In this article, we will explore the entrepreneurial journeys of some renowned Bollywood actresses and look into the brands they have built.
1. Alia Bhatt
Ed-a-mamma
Established by renowned Indian actress Alia Bhatt, Ed-a-mamma is a sustainable clothing brand specializing in maternity wear and eco-friendly fashion for children aged from 2 to 14 years. The brand has served on an exclusive D2C business model since its launch.
Founded in 2020 and currently valued at $11.9 million, this brand’s revenue of Rs.32.3Cr. in FY23 spiked by 99% from Rs.16.2Cr. in FY22. Although, this Mumbai-headquartered startup filed a net loss of Rs.6.6Cr. in FY22.
In a press release on September 2023, Reliance Retail Ventures announced that it has integrated into a joint venture with the E-commerce clothing brand Ed-a-mamma to acquire a 51% stake. This collaboration claims to maximize the clothing brand’s management strength and the expansion of its business portfolio.
2. Deepika Padukone
82E
Launched in 2022, by the phenomenal Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone, 82E is an Indian skincare brand that aims to offer effective and high-quality products with an Indian ethos.
This Mumbai-headquartered beauty commerce brand’s revenue stood at Rs.22.82Cr. between March 2023 and December 2023, followed by a net loss of Rs.22.1 crore during the same Financial year. Meanwhile, it recorded a revenue of Rs.4.9 Lakh in FY22.
With a current valuation of $11.5Mn., 82E now plans to raise funds amounting to Rs.50Cr. from new and current investors as a part of the brand’s seed round.
On the other hand, the brand announced its strategic partnership with Reliance Retail’s advanced beauty platform, TIRA to achieve significant growth from 82E’s D2C model to a first-time retail experience in India through an online and offline presence.
3. Katrina Kaif
Kay Beauty
Bollywood diva Katrina Kaif’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2019 when she entered the beauty commerce sector with her brand Kay Beauty. The brand delivers high-quality and innovative beauty products to enhance the natural beauty.
This Mumbai-headquartered startup generated Rs.60.7Cr. as its operational revenue in FY23 surged by 120% from Rs.27.56Cr. in FY22.
Recently a Bangalore-based woman shared her honest review of Kay Beauty eyeliner on social media from her Instagram account and eventually that video went viral on the internet. Katrina noticed the viral post and later shared it through her Instagram stories. This action by the renowned founder grabbed everyone’s attention and impressed everyone with her amazing marketing skills.
On another note, Kay Beauty is all set to be available in the UAE since customers can buy their products from the Nysaa stores in City Centre Mirdif and online at nysaa.com.
4. Kriti Sanon
The Tribe
Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon after completing eight years in the film industry, decided to explore the fitness sector by entering into entrepreneurship for the first time. In 2022, Kriti launched her fitness app called ‘The Tribe’. This Mumbai-headquartered startup aims to push customers towards their desired fitness by motivating them throughout.
Hyphen
Bollywood sensation Kriti Sanon on her 33rd birthday on 27th July 2023 announced the launch of premium skincare brand Hyphen as she now enters the Beauty business.
Panjim-headquartered company Hyphen on July 2024 launched a new range of products such as a cleanser, sunscreen, cream, lip bum, and serums to enlarge its business portfolio.
This beauty commerce brand even held a beach-themed event in Mumbai to introduce its newly launched sunscreen range.
However, after claiming to achieve a revenue of Rs.100Cr. in just 12 months, the D2C brand Hyphen now targets revenue of Rs.500Cr. by 2027.
5. Samantha Ruth Prabhu
Saaki
Bengaluru-headquartered Saaki is a D2C ethnic fashion brand co-created by South Indian actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu and former Miss India winner Sushruthi Krishna.
Founded in 2020, this E-commerce brand has showcased a revenue of Rs.3.57Cr. in FY23 and is currently valued at $3.72 million.
6. Shraddha Kapoor
Palmonas
A demi-fine jewellery startup Palmonas announced the addition of the Indian actor Shraddha Kapoor as its co-founder in 2024. This jewellery brand claims to make contemporary and minimalistic accessory collections from stainless steel and gold vermeil.
This fashion tech brand based out of Pune, recorded revenue of Rs.3.84Cr. in FY23, and as per the brand’s statement, it is now targeting to file revenue of Rs.15Cr. in FY24.
Established in 2022, Palmonas is ready to close its pre-series A funding round of $3 million after being a bootstrapped firm thus far.
7. Sunny Leone
Star Struck
In 2018, Bollywood actress and entrepreneur Sunny Leone launched her cosmetic brand Star Struck which focuses on affordability and claims to provide cruelty-free products to the customers.
This Mumbai-headquartered beauty brand generated revenue of Rs.2.15Cr. in FY23.
However, this beauty commerce firm has not only made a mark in India but also gained success on an international level since it was launched in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and London. Star Struck now reaches out to India’s major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore to expand its business portfolio.
