Bollywood actor Rhea Chakraborty’s ₹40 crore startup Chapter 2 Drip goes offline

Bollywood celebrity Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik have transformed personal setbacks into a thriving startup, Chapter 2 Drip, a streetwear brand that is valued at ₹38-40 crore as of May 2025, thanks to seed funding from billionaire retail giants Kishore and Ashni Biyani. In an exclusive interview with CNBC-TV18, the siblings revealed how a bold T-shirt message inspired their mission to empower self-expression through fashion. With over 90% of their collection unisex, Chapter 2 Drip is disrupting India’s $115 billion fashion market by blending cultural flair with inclusive, community-driven streetwear.

The journey to Chapter 2 Drip began in the aftermath of a high-profile media storm in 2020 that cost Bollywood actor her acting career and her brother Showik his MBA aspirations. “When I was arrested, my t-shirt read, ‘Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s smash the patriarchy, me and you,” Rhea recalled. “It spoke for me when I couldn’t.”

That moment of silenced voices became the catalyst for their startup. Over late-night conversations, the siblings decided to create a platform for others to feel heard. “We wanted something that gives people a voice,” Rhea said, explaining how they settled on streetwear after exploring ideas like soaps and wellness products.

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Launched online in August 2024, Chapter 2 Drip quickly gained traction, leading to the opening of its first flagship store on Mumbai’s Bandra Linking Road in May 2025 — less than 10 months later. Showik, the risk-taker of the duo, pushed for the physical space despite Rhea’s initial hesitation.

“Online, you can’t feel the quality. Our price points, starting at ₹1,050, shine in person,” Showik explained. The store is more than retail; it’s a community hub where people can “Chill, have coffee, and share their own Chapter Twos,” he added, emphasising their vision of fostering connections.

A major milestone came with seed funding from retail giants Ashni and Kishore Biyani, valuing the brand at ₹38-40 crore as of May 2025. What started as a casual podcast chat turned into a game-changing pitch. “I called Showik and said, ‘The podcast’s done, and we got funding’,” Rhea shared.

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Her confidence stemmed from the brand’s profitability. “I didn’t chase crazy valuations. I wanted their expertise,” she said. Showik highlighted a key lesson from the Biyanis: “Measure your risk appetite carefully. Ambition alone isn’t enough”.

With India’s fashion market projected to reach $115 billion by 2026, streetwear remains a niche at under 5%. Yet, Chapter 2 Drip is carving a unique space with its 90% unisex collection, challenging gender norms. “We share clothes anyway,” Rhea said, noting how their personal dynamic inspired the line. “Our elevated basics are about comfort and confidence,” Showik added, blending Indian cultural flair with global street style. The rise of homegrown brands on Linking Road signals a shifting market, with Chapter 2 Drip at the forefront.

The siblings plan to expand beyond metros, targeting tier-2 cities like Ludhiana, Raipur, and Jaipur, where 70% of India’s youth reside. Rhea’s childhood in small towns due to her father’s army postings informs this strategy. “In tier-2 cities, one cool thing spreads fast,” she said, recalling the excitement of her first McDonald’s while she lived in a small town. Showik envisions 12-15 stores in the next six months, prioritising community spaces over rapid expansion.

Chapter 2 Drip is more than fashion — it’s a movement. Rhea’s “Freedom” campaign reflects her journey: “My freedom is working, living normally”. Her advice to entrepreneurs? “Be indifferent to highs and lows. Change is constant.” Showik adds, “It’s tough, but don’t give up. Your Chapter Two is possible.” From rock bottom to a ₹40 crore valuation, Rhea and Showik are proving that resilience and purpose can rewrite any story.

(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)