Shanaya Kapoor says she is focused on building credibility through her work rather than relying on her family name. Ahead of the February 13 release of Tu Yaa Main, the young actor spoke about navigating the “star kid” tag and proving herself through auditions and challenging roles.
Despite industry conversations around nepotism, Shanaya maintains that her journey has required persistence and preparation.
“I Still Audition For My Roles”
In a recent interaction with TV9 Hindi Digital, Shanaya addressed assumptions that opportunities come easily to her.
“I still audition. I’m not in a position to just sit back and pick scripts,” she said, emphasising that each project requires effort and selection through the standard casting process.
According to her, landing roles remains competitive, and she values scripts that push her beyond her comfort zone.
From Debut Challenges To Survival Drama
Shanaya made her debut with Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, where she portrayed a visually impaired character — a performance that demanded controlled expressions and physical nuance.
“An actor’s eyes are their biggest tool. Losing that felt like going back to level one,” she noted, explaining how the preparation required her to revisit fundamental acting techniques and body language training.
Her upcoming release, Tu Yaa Main, shifts gears into the survival thriller genre. The film reportedly includes high-intensity sequences, including a confrontation with a crocodile.
She revealed that the project came through an audition conducted by casting director Mukesh Chhabra, reiterating that the role was not offered without evaluation.
Working With Adarsh Gourav
In Tu Yaa Main, Shanaya stars opposite Adarsh Gourav. She described the collaboration as a strong learning experience.
“He never treated me like a newcomer. His energy makes you react instinctively,” she shared, highlighting how working alongside experienced actors helps refine her performance instincts.
Support At Home
Shanaya also spoke about the support system within her family. Her father, actor Sanjay Kapoor, remains both her biggest supporter and most honest critic.
She recounted a lighthearted incident where director Vijay initially messaged Sanjay Kapoor about the project, leading to confusion about whether the role was intended for him before it was clarified that the film was meant for Shanaya.
Handling The ‘Star Kid’ Label
Addressing online trolling and ongoing debates around nepotism, Shanaya said she prefers to focus on professional growth rather than public commentary.
For her, consistent improvement and taking creative risks form the foundation of her career strategy.
With Tu Yaa Main set to release on February 13, Shanaya Kapoor appears intent on shaping her identity through performance-driven choices rather than industry perception.
