From Fashion Correspondent to Internet Sensation: The Evolution of Kusha Kapila

From Fashion Correspondent to Internet Sensation: The Evolution of Kusha Kapila
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In short: Kusha Kapila transitioned from a background in fashion design and merchandising to becoming a prominent Indian digital media personality. Known for her viral fictional character Billi Masi, she has built a multifaceted career spanning comedy, television, film, and entrepreneurship, marking her influence across India's rapidly evolving entertainment and digital landscape.

Born in New Delhi into a Punjabi family, Kusha Kapila initially pursued a career in fashion. After graduating from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, she worked in fashion merchandising and served as a fashion correspondent for Apparel Online in 2013. Her professional trajectory shifted toward digital media when she joined Razorfish Neev as a copywriter in 2014, followed by a role as a fashion editor at Times Internet in 2016.

Her breakthrough as an internet sensation occurred during her tenure at iDiva, where she developed and portrayed the fictional character Billi Masi. This success propelled her into mainstream entertainment. She made her television debut on Son of Abish in 2014 and has since appeared in numerous high-profile projects. Her filmography includes roles in Netflix India's Ghost Stories in 2020, the series Masaba Masaba in 2022, and the 2023 film Thank You for Coming, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Beyond performance, Kapila has established herself as a significant cultural figure. She has graced the covers of Harper's Bazaar India, Cosmopolitan, and HT Brunch. Her influence was further recognized in 2022 when she appeared on the Forbes India W-Power list and in 2026 when GQ India named her one of the Most Influential Young Indians. Most recently, in March 2025, she expanded into business by co-founding UnderNeat, a women’s innerwear and shapewear brand, alongside Vimarsh Razdan and Ghazal Alagh.

Kapila's career reflects the broader shift in Indian media, where digital content creators increasingly bridge the gap between social media fame and traditional film and television stardom. Her journey from a fashion industry professional to a co-founder of a consumer brand demonstrates the versatility required to maintain relevance in a competitive digital economy, while her public openness regarding her personal life continues to engage her audience.

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