Key Career Highlights of Kusha Kapila
- Early Career in Fashion
- Graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in fashion design.
- Began as a merchandising intern before moving into media and digital content creation.
- Rise as a Digital Creator
- Gained fame through iconic comedy sketches on Instagram and YouTube, especially her satirical character “Billi Maasi”, which became a cultural phenomenon.
- Built a strong following: 4.2M+ Instagram followers and 1.38M YouTube subscribers.
- Mainstream Media & Acting
- Appeared in Amazon Prime’s Comicstaan (2018), marking her entry into mainstream entertainment.
- Acted in Bollywood films:
- Sukhee (2023) – alongside Shilpa Shetty.
- Thank You for Coming (2023) – ensemble cast including Bhumi Pednekar.
- Featured in Netflix projects and talk shows like Koffee with Karan, expanding her reach beyond digital audiences.
- Influence & Recognition
- Known as one of India’s top Instagram influencers, blending comedy, fashion, and bold social commentary.
- Regularly collaborates with major brands and has represented Indian creators at global stages like Cannes Film Festival.
- Recognized as a pioneer in turning digital fame into Bollywood success, alongside peers like Prajakta Koli.
- Personal Milestones
- Married Zorawar Singh Ahluwalia in 2017; announced separation in 2023.
- Continues to be a strong voice for women in comedy and digital media.
Why She Stands Out
Kusha Kapila’s journey is remarkable because she bridged the gap between social media and mainstream cinema, proving that digital creators can become household names. Her mix of humor, fashion, and relatability has made her one of the most recognizable personalities in India’s entertainment landscape.
Kusha Kapila is no longer just the “internet sensation” who mimicked South Delhi elites; she is a testament to how the lines between digital content creation and mainstream Bollywood are blurring.1 From a fashion writer to a household name in comedy, and now a serious actor and entrepreneur, Kapila’s trajectory is a masterclass in evolving one’s personal brand.2
1. The Origin Story: More Than Just Luck
While she may seem like an overnight success to some, Kusha Kapila’s foundation was built on years of grinding in the fashion and media industry.3
- Education: A graduate of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in Fashion Design and an English Literature graduate from Indraprastha College for Women.4
- Early Career: Before the camera found her, she was behind the keyboard.5 She worked as a fashion correspondent for Apparel Online, a copywriter for Razorfish, and a Fashion Editor for Times Internet.6
It was during her stint as a content writer at iDiva that she began experimenting with video.7 Unlike many influencers who started with selfies, Kapila started with scripts and sketches, bringing a writer’s discipline to her comedy.

2. The Viral Breakthrough
Kusha’s rise to fame was fueled by her uncanny ability to observe and satirize the quirks of Indian society.8
- Billi Masi: Perhaps her most iconic character, this persona resonated with millions for its portrayal of the “desi” auntie—simultaneously judgmental and affectionate.9
- South Delhi Girls: Her satire on the elite, high-maintenance culture of South Delhi (the “Baya” and “Coco” aesthetic) struck a chord because it was specific yet universally funny.10
The Secret Sauce: Kusha didn’t just make jokes; she created lore. Her characters had backstories, recurring themes, and distinct vocabularies that viewers adopted into their own daily slang.
3. The Bollywood Crossover
Transitioning from 60-second reels to feature-length films is a hurdle many influencers fail to clear, but Kapila has managed it with strategic role choices. She didn’t just jump into lead roles; she built credibility through ensembles and strong supporting acts.
Filmography Highlights
| Year | Project | Role | Note |
| 2020 | Ghost Stories | Misha | Debut (Netflix Anthology) |
| 2022 | Masaba Masaba (S2) | Nicole | Validated her acting chops |
| 2023 | Sukhee | Meher | Starring alongside Shilpa Shetty |
| 2023 | Thank You for Coming | Neha | Mainstream theatrical release |
| 2024 | Life Hill Gayi | Kalki | Web Series |
| 2025 | Vyarth | Bhumi | Short Film (Also Co-Producer) |
4. Resilience in the Public Eye
Kusha Kapila’s journey hasn’t been without personal turbulence. In 2023, she announced her separation from her husband of six years, Zorawar Ahluwalia.11
- Public Scrutiny: The announcement led to a wave of intense online trolling and unwarranted scrutiny, a dark side of the fame she built online.
- The Response: Rather than engaging in public mudslinging, Kapila maintained a dignified silence on the details, channeling her energy into her work and moving base to Mumbai to focus entirely on her acting career.
5. The Entrepreneurial Pivot (2025)
By late 2024 and early 2025, Kapila expanded her portfolio beyond media.12 She co-founded UnderNeat, a shapewear and innerwear brand.13 This move signaled her intent to build long-term equity and leverage her fashion background (NIFT) combined with her influence over the female demographic.
Why She Matters
Kusha Kapila represents the “Creator Economy 2.0”. She proved that internet fame isn’t a glass ceiling but a stepping stone. By refusing to be pigeonholed as “just a comedian” or “just an influencer,” she has paved the way for a generation of creators to be taken seriously as artists and businesswomen.