Mumbai — Newcomer Shanaya Kapoor is finally stepping into the spotlight with her long-awaited acting debut in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. Though the moment arrived three years later than planned, the young star says the wait has only made her more gratefgul and excited.
Shanaya, the daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and entrepreneur Maheep Kapoor, was originally set to make her debut with Karan Johar’s Bedhadak, announced in March 2022. However, the project was eventually shelved, delaying her much-anticipated entry into Bollywood.
After years of anticipation, Shanaya Kapoor is finally ready to make her big-screen debut with the romantic musical Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, where she stars opposite acclaimed actor Vikrant Massey. Though her entry into Bollywood faced delays, Shanaya says she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Now, with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya says the wait feels worth it. “It honestly feels surreal,” she said in a recent interview with PTI. “Watching myself on YouTube, seeing the music videos go live — it’s overwhelming in the best way. I keep replaying them, reading what people are saying, just soaking it all in.”
She also opened up about the ups and downs along the way. “This journey has taken time, and it hasn’t always been smooth. But I truly believe everything happened the way it was meant to. I’m just grateful to finally be here, doing what I love.”
- Shanaya Kapoor on Debut in ‘Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’: “I’ve Waited for This Moment”
Playing Saba, a visually impaired girl, Shanaya prepared for the role by visiting a blind school—an experience she calls emotionally grounding. Directed by Santosh Singh and written by Mansi Bagla and Niranjan Iyengar, the film releases on July 11.
Shanaya admits being a star kid comes with pressure and scrutiny but says she embraces criticism as feedback. “No matter where you come from, the audience must accept you as an actor,” she said, hoping to win viewers over with her hard work.
Up next, she’ll be seen in the survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, Vrushabha alongside Mohanlal, and the Student of the Year web series.
As Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan hits theatres on July 11, keep an eye out for this promising new star — Shanaya Kapoor might just surprise you.