Indian actress and video jockey Rhea Chakraborty and her brother Showik have turned their lives around after facing personal setbacks by launching a successful startup, Chapter 2 Drip. This streetwear brand has gained significant traction and is now valued at ₹38-40 crore as of May 2025, following seed funding from billionaire investors Kishore and Ashni Biyani.
Chapter 2 Drip’s mission is to empower self-expression through fashion, inspired by a bold T-shirt message. The brand’s collection is predominantly unisex, blending cultural flair with inclusive streetwear. By doing so, Chapter 2 Drip is making a mark in India’s $115 billion fashion industry, promoting a community-driven approach to clothing.
Rhea Chakraborty’s journey to launching Chapter 2 Drip began after a tumultuous period in 2020, when a high-profile media storm impacted her acting career and her brother Showik’s MBA aspirations. Rhea recalled a pivotal moment during her arrest when her T-shirt message resonated deeply: “Roses are red, violets are blue, let’s smash the patriarchy, me and you.” This statement, she said, “spoke for me when I couldn’t,” and it eventually inspired the mission of her streetwear brand, Chapter 2 Drip, to empower self-expression through fashion.
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That moment of adversity became the driving force behind Rhea and Showik’s startup venture. Late-night conversations between the siblings sparked an idea to create a platform where people could express themselves and feel heard.
“We wanted something that gives people a voice,” Rhea explained, describing how streetwear emerged as the perfect medium after exploring other ideas like soaps and wellness products. This mission to empower self-expression through fashion became the foundation of their brand, Chapter 2 Drip.
Chapter 2 Drip launched online in August 2024 and rapidly gained popularity, prompting the siblings to open their first flagship store on Mumbai’s Bandra Linking Road in May 2025, just nine months later. Showik’s enthusiasm for a physical space initially met with hesitation from Rhea, but his risk-taking approach ultimately prevailed, marking a bold step for the brand.
Showik highlighted the importance of their physical store, noting that online platforms can’t replicate the tactile experience of feeling product quality. “Online, you can’t feel the quality. Our price points, starting at ₹1,050, shine in person,” he said. The store serves as a community hub where customers can “Chill, have coffee, and share their own Chapter Twos,” fostering connections and a sense of belonging.
A significant milestone for Chapter 2 Drip came when retail giants Ashni and Kishore Biyani invested in the brand through seed funding, valuing it at ₹38-40 crore as of May 2025. This opportunity arose from a casual podcast conversation that turned into a successful pitch. Rhea recalled the moment, saying, “I called Showik and said, ‘The podcast’s done, and we got funding’,” marking a pivotal moment in their entrepreneurial journey.
Rhea attributed her confidence in securing funding to Chapter 2 Drip’s profitability, emphasizing that she prioritized the Biyanis’ expertise over high valuations. “I didn’t chase crazy valuations. I wanted their expertise,” she said. Showik added that a key takeaway from their partnership was the importance of carefully measuring risk appetite, noting, “Measure your risk appetite carefully. Ambition alone isn’t enough”.
India’s fashion market is projected to reach $115 billion by 2026, with streetwear currently occupying a niche segment of under 5%. Chapter 2 Drip is making its mark with a unique approach, offering a predominantly unisex collection that challenges traditional gender norms.
Rhea noted the inspiration behind this approach, saying, “We share clothes anyway,” reflecting their personal dynamic. Showik added that their brand focuses on “elevated basics” that prioritize comfort and confidence, blending Indian cultural elements with global street style. As homegrown brands gain prominence on Linking Road, Chapter 2 Drip is leading the way in this evolving market.
Rhea and Showik plan to take Chapter 2 Drip beyond metros, targeting tier-2 cities like Ludhiana, Raipur, and Jaipur, where a significant portion of India’s youth resides. Rhea’s experience growing up in small towns due to her father’s army postings informs this strategy.
She believes trends spread quickly in these cities, recalling her own excitement: “In tier-2 cities, one cool thing spreads fast.” With this insight, Showik aims to open 12-15 stores in the next six months, prioritizing community-driven spaces over rapid expansion.
Chapter 2 Drip is more than just a fashion brand – it’s a movement driven by purpose. Rhea’s “Freedom” campaign mirrors her personal journey, reflecting her belief that “My freedom is working, living normally.” For aspiring entrepreneurs, she advises staying grounded through life’s ups and downs: “Be indifferent to highs and lows. Change is constant.” Showik echoes this resilience, urging others not to give up: “It’s tough, but don’t give up. Your Chapter Two is possible.” Having built a brand valued at ₹40 crore from scratch, the siblings are living proof that determination and vision can transform even the darkest moments into new beginnings.
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