Bollywood actresses these days represent the women of India, women who make and handle their own money. In the past, several celebrities turned bankrupt due to their extravagant lifestyle. However, today’s women know how to handle their money. While some try their hands in entrepreneurship, some have become investors. With the booming start-ups in the country, actresses show their keen interest in betting on start-ups.
The top Indian actresses who invested in start-ups
Kajal Aggrawal
Kajal is a popular face in both Tollywood and Bollywood. The actress wore the investing hat by funding a game start-up, OKIE Gaming. The start-up is a gaming platform that allows users to indulge in games like Smart Housie, Rummy, Smart Number Quiz, Fantasy Cricket and many more. Kajal is reportedly a 15% stakeholder in the start-up and also a board member. The booming gaming industry in the country got her keen interest.
Deepika Padukone
The global icon, Deepika Padukone played her cards right with investment in Bellatrix Aerospace, a Bangalore-based space tech start-up. The start-up has done some path-breaking in the space industry with their technology being cost-effective and eco-friendly too. Winning the National Award, they have been working closely with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The actress has also reportedly invested in Drum Foods International Pvt. Ltd. The company is the maker of the yoghurt brand, Epigamia which she endorses as well.
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The huge potential in start-ups is compelling actresses to invest in them along with endorsing it.
Madhuri Dixit Nene
Back in 2014, Madhuri and her husband invested in GOQii, a fitness tech start-up. The start-up offers a wearable fitness band with a mobile-app for personalised remote coaching. The platform’s integrated surface creates preventive healthcare measures by tracking health parameters every day. The start-up has also been backed by Ratan Tata and Akshay Kumar.
Samantha Akkineni
Tollywood’s favourite, Samantha Akkineni is an entrepreneur and investor too. She has reportedly backed the Hyderabad based start-up, UrbanKissan. The start-up aims at leveraging vertical farming to produce much healthier vegetables and save the carbon footprint. It sells directly to consumers and also offers kits for buyers to grow vegetables at home. Apart from her investment in UrbanKissan, her stint also includes launching her fashion label, Saaki. Her brand focuses on providing affordable and accessible fashion.
Aishwarya Rai
Just like her movie, Aishwarya’s investments have been versatile as well. She and her mother have invested in Ambee, a Bengaluru based environment start-up. This was her first angel investment in a start-up. The start-up provides detailed air quality data to medical companies, health researchers, consumers and developers. In 2019, she further funded a nutrition-based healthcare start-up, Possible. The start-up is focused on offering diet-based weight loss programs and diet plans for chronic ailments.
Shilpa Shetty Kundra
When it comes to fitness in Bollywood, Shilpa Shetty Kundra is amongst the first names that come to mind. Her investments are as diversified as owning a book, creating a wellness app or owning an IPL team. Mamaearth made headlines when she funded their start-up and also endorsed it. The start-up is known for its toxin-free products for mothers and children.
What’s in it for me?
Start-ups these days have several ways to raise funding. When you sign any Bollywood actresses or actors, your start-up will make it to the limelight instantly. This is a great way to get exposure if your start-up is related to consumer products or caters for the masses at large. Also, somebody who has made an investment in your company will be more likely willing to endorse your products/services.
