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Shanaya Kapoor: How a Rejection Led to Her Dream Bollywood Debut
Updated on: 01 July, 2025 03:50 PM IST |Amruta Karulkar
Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, is stepping into the Bollywood spotlight, but her journey began unexpectedly. While many assume a star kid`s path is seamless, the 25-year-old actor revealed that her debut film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, came to her not through a successful audition but from a prior rejection that surprisingly opened the right door.
Reflecting on the experience, Shanaya believes it was destiny. “It just made me realise how when things are meant to happen and when things are not supposed to happen, they don’t," she said. While the initial rejection was disheartening, it ultimately led her to a project she feels was meant for her.
Also Read: Ananya Panday Wants To Remake This Movie With BFFs Shanaya Kapoor, Suhana Khan
The young actor found a deep connection with her on-screen persona. “You find those little similarities; you get attached to your character; you kind of get a little protective; you learn a lot from your character; you befriend your character," Shanaya shared.
Directed by Santosh Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is set to release on July 11. Following her debut, Shanaya will be seen in the Bejoy Nambiar thriller Tu Yaa Main alongside Adarsh Gourav, which is anticipated to hit theatres on Valentine’s Day 2026.
A Fortunate Failure
Shanaya`s entry into cinema wasn`t a straightforward casting call. In a recent interview, she shared how a failed audition for a different movie paved the way for her current role. “I had auditioned for another project at that time, which unfortunately didn’t work out. That audition tape, the casting director really liked it, and she sent it across to Sandy sir (Santosh Singh), our director, and he really liked it!” This twist of fate highlights the unpredictable nature of the industry.Reflecting on the experience, Shanaya believes it was destiny. “It just made me realise how when things are meant to happen and when things are not supposed to happen, they don’t," she said. While the initial rejection was disheartening, it ultimately led her to a project she feels was meant for her.
Also Read: Ananya Panday Wants To Remake This Movie With BFFs Shanaya Kapoor, Suhana Khan
When the Film Chooses You
Shanaya firmly believes that casting is a two-way street. “I think when it comes to a film, it’s not just you choosing the film; I think somewhere the film chooses you as well,” she explained. This sentiment defines her journey to playing Saba Shergill, an aspiring actress, opposite Vikrant Massey’s character, a musician named Jahaan Bakshi. The film follows their creative journey of self-rediscovery.The young actor found a deep connection with her on-screen persona. “You find those little similarities; you get attached to your character; you kind of get a little protective; you learn a lot from your character; you befriend your character," Shanaya shared.
Directed by Santosh Singh, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is set to release on July 11. Following her debut, Shanaya will be seen in the Bejoy Nambiar thriller Tu Yaa Main alongside Adarsh Gourav, which is anticipated to hit theatres on Valentine’s Day 2026.
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