The 'War' actress holds a Bachelor's degree in tourism studies.
Before the glamor and red carpets, many Bollywood stars had careers that might surprise you. Ayushmann Khurrana, for instance, once charmed listeners as a radio jockey. Parineeti Chopra worked behind the scenes as a PR specialist. Now, these jobs still hovered close to the entertainment world. But Vaani Kapoor’s path was refreshingly different, as long before stepping into the film industry, she was busy welcoming guests and perfecting the art of service in the hospitality industry. And over the years, Vaani has credited that experience for shaping her work ethic and perspective on life. So today, as the actress celebrates her birthday, let's take a step back from the silver screen to explore this lesser-known chapter of her journey.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in tourism studies from Indira Gandhi National Open University, Vaani Kapoor took an internship with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Jaipur, followed by work at an ITC hotel in Mumbai. Multiple sources (including Wikipedia, Kiddle, and BookMyShow) confirm this exact path. Some outlets, such as DNA India via Masala, simply note she “used to work with the Oberoi Hotels & Resorts in Jaipur at the ITC Hotel”. That consistency across reputable profiles lets us confidently state the timeframe that post-graduation (likely circa 2008–2011), she interned in Jaipur and then worked in Mumbai.
In both roles, she would have faced early-morning briefings, guest services, team coordination, and other duties that demand reliability and composure under pressure.
Vaani herself has spoken about how her tourism studies shaped her perspective, saying she “lives travelling” and that her education has “enhanced her sense of seeing new places”. That curiosity feeds into discipline and adaptability, the same traits hospitality trains early.
The pivot to films came when she signed with Elite Model Management after her hotel stint. That led to auditions for Yash Raj Films, where she landed her debut in 'Shuddh Desi Romance' after being selected via audition. The discipline of meeting hotel schedules and serving demanding guests likely helped her stand out during early shoots and read-throughs.
(Credit: YRF)
One obstacle, though, was transitioning from service-oriented roles to a high-profile film world, where stakes were emotional and public scrutiny intense. Yet that service mindset would have eased pressure, helping her take direction and stay grounded amid glamour.
From the moment she stepped onto a film set for 'Shuddh Desi Romance' in 2013, Vaani Kapoor carried the poise of someone who had already learned the value of showing up prepared. That first role opposite Sushant Singh Rajput and Parineeti Chopra not only won her the Filmfare Best Female Debut but also put her on the industry’s radar.
She didn’t take the obvious route next, and ventured into Tamil cinema with 'Aaha Kalyanam', a choice that tested her adaptability much like the hotel floor once had. The light-hearted 'Befikre' in 2016 brought her into the glossy YRF romance space, even if the film’s reception was mixed. Then came the shift, playing a glamorous dancer in the 2019 blockbuster 'War', a part small in length but big in impact, thanks to the film’s record-breaking success. In 2021, she balanced commercial appeal in 'Bell Bottom' with the risk-taking 'Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui', where her performance drew praise for its sincerity.
(Credit: YRF)
This year’s 'Raid 2' added another commercial hit to her list, and with 'Abeer Gulaal' on the horizon, Vaani is all set to rise even more.
Happy Birthday!
