For years, Shanaya Kapoor’s entry into Bollywood was one of the most talked-about debuts in the industry. As the daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, the spotlight was on her long before she ever stepped in front of a professional camera. However, her journey hasn’t been the “fairytale” launch many expected. After her initial project Bedhadak was shelved—a moment she describes as her “biggest heartbreak”—she finally made her debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan alongside Vikrant Massey.
Recently, Shanaya opened up about the film’s underperformance at the box office, offering a refreshingly honest take on failure, expectations, and the reality of being a “star kid” in today’s climate.
Despite the significant media buzz and a heavy promotional campaign, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan struggled to find its footing at the ticket window. While many actors might shy away from discussing a “flop,” Shanaya has chosen to address it head-on. She admitted that while the low numbers do hurt—especially after years of preparation—she is learning to separate her self-worth from the box office results.
She noted that as an actor, you pour your heart and soul into a character for months. When that work doesn’t resonate with the audience the way you hoped, it’s a difficult pill to swallow. However, she views this as a necessary part of her growth. In her view, the “struggle” isn’t just about getting a movie; it’s about surviving the aftermath of one that doesn’t work.
Shanaya is well aware of the scrunity she faces. Being part of the Kapoor family means every move is analyzed. She recently shared that she understands the audience’s high expectations and doesn’t take her access for granted. “I want to earn my place,” she has said in various interviews, acknowledging that while she had a foot in the door, staying inside the room requires actual talent and results.
Instead of becoming defensive about the criticism or the film’s failure, she has expressed a desire to work harder on her craft. She credits her mother, Maheep, for giving her the best advice during this time: to trust the “universe’s timing” and focus only on what she can control—her hard work.
The underperformance of her first film hasn’t slowed her down. If anything, it seems to have made her more resilient. Shanaya is already looking toward a busy future with several high-profile projects in the pipeline.
She will be next seen in Vrushabha which is a massive pan-India action epic where she stars alongside legendary actor Mohanlal. She also has Student of the Year 3, a digital series where she is rumored to be playing a double role. And last but not the least Tu Yaa Main which is a romantic thriller featuring Adarsh Gourav. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
