Shanaya Kapoor’s journey in Bollywood! From her Kapoor family roots to her debut in Vibe and upcoming films like Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, her career, and more.
Table Of Contents
Shanaya Kapoor
Shanaya Kapoor is a name that’s been buzzing in Bollywood circles for good reason.
As the daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and jewelry designer Maheep Sandhu, she carries the weight of a legendary film family while carving her path in the industry.
At just 25, Shanaya has already made headlines with her debut music video and a slate of exciting film projects.
This blog post explores every aspect of Shanaya Kapoor’s life, from her early days in Mumbai to her upcoming Bollywood blockbusters.
It includes her family, education, career, personal life, and more.
Join us as we explore the journey of this promising starlet brought to you by THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA.
Early Life And Family
Born on November 3, 1999, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Shanaya Kapoor grew up in the heart of India’s film capital.
Her father, Sanjay Kapoor, is a well-known actor and producer, while her mother, Maheep Sandhu, is a celebrated jewelry designer.
Shanaya has a younger brother, Jahaan Kapoor, who keeps a lower profile.
Her extended family reads like a who’s who of Bollywood: cousins Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor are all established names in the industry.
Her uncles, Anil Kapoor and Boney Kapoor, are iconic figures, and her great-grandfather, Prithviraj Kapoor, was a pioneer of Indian theater and cinema, founding the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA).
Growing up in such a cinematic dynasty, Shanaya was exposed to the world of films from a young age.
Family gatherings were likely filled with discussions about scripts, shoots, and premieres, sparking her passion for the arts.
Despite the glamour, her family instilled in her the values of hard work and humility, which shine through in her public persona.
Her grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, who passed away in May 2025, was the matriarch who kept the family close, and her loss deeply affected Shanaya and her loved ones.
| Family | Relation | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Sanjay Kapoor | Father | Actor and Producer |
| Maheep Sandhu | Mother | Jewelry Designer |
| Jahaan Kapoor | Brother | Private Individual |
| Sonam Kapoor | Cousin | Actress |
| Arjun Kapoor | Cousin | Actor |
| Janhvi Kapoor | Cousin | Actress |
| Khushi Kapoor | Cousin | Actress |
| Anil Kapoor | Father | Actor and Producer |
| Boney Kapoor | Father | Producer |
| Prithviraj Kapoor | Great-Grandfather | Theater and Film Pioneer |
Education
Shanaya attended Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai, a prestigious institution known for its international curriculum and focus on holistic development.
During her school years, she was actively involved in extracurricular activities like dance and drama, which helped her build confidence and stage presence.
These early experiences were crucial in shaping her career aspirations.
There are reports that Shanaya pursued higher education in Los Angeles, where she reportedly met her rumored boyfriend, Karan Kothari.
However, details about her university life are scarce, as she has chosen to keep this part of her life private.
Her time in Los Angeles likely broadened her perspective, exposing her to global entertainment trends and further fueling her ambition to succeed in Bollywood.
Career Beginnings
Shanaya’s entry into the film industry was not as an actress but as a behind-the-scenes talent.
In 2019, at the age of 20, she became the assistant director for Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), a biographical drama starring her cousin Janhvi Kapoor.
Working under director Sharan Sharma, Shanaya gained hands-on experience in filmmaking, learning the intricacies of production, direction, and storytelling.
Her work was well-received, showcasing her dedication and keen eye for detail.
This stint was not just a learning opportunity; it was a strategic move to understand the industry before stepping into the spotlight.
Her time on set also helped her forge connections with industry professionals, paving the way for her acting career.
In 2020, she appeared briefly in the Netflix series Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives, which featured her mother, Maheep.
This gave fans a glimpse of her charismatic personality.
Acting Debut And Music Video
While her film debut is still on the horizon, Shanaya made her first on-screen appearance in the music video Vibe, released on May 16, 2025.
The high-energy track, produced by T-Series, featured Moroccan-American rapper French Montana and Indian singer Guru Randhawa.
Shanaya stole the show in sparkling sequined outfits.
Shot in Las Vegas, the video blended Punjabi rhythms with global beats, showcasing Shanaya’s glamorous side as she danced alongside the artists.
The release of Vibe sparked a range of reactions online.
Some fans praised her confidence and screen presence, comparing her to established actresses like Katrina Kaif and Bhumi Pednekar.
Others were less impressed, critiquing her dance moves and citing nepotism, a common critique faced by star kids in Bollywood.
Despite the mixed reviews, Shanaya expressed her excitement about the project, saying, “Vibe is my first-ever music video, and getting to do it with Guru Randhawa and French Montana was honestly wild in the best way!
We had so much fun filming in Vegas; the energy was electric, and the vibe (pun intended!) was just perfect.”
Her enthusiasm and willingness to take on new challenges have only heightened anticipation for her film roles.
Upcoming Films
Shanaya’s Bollywood journey is gaining momentum with a promising lineup of films.
Her first major project, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, is set to hit theaters on July 11, 2025.
Directed by Santosh Singh and produced by Zee Studios and Mini Films, this romantic drama stars Shanaya opposite the versatile Vikrant Massey.
The film’s teaser, released in June 2025, has already generated buzz for its poetic visuals and emotional depth.
Written by Niranjan Iyengar and Mansi Bagla, with music by Vishal Mishra, the movie promises to be a heartfelt love story.
Interestingly, Shanaya was not the first choice for the role.
Tara Sutaria and Pratibha Ranta were also considered, but her auditions and training secured her the part.
Next is Vrushabha, a pan-India action-adventure film directed by Nanda Kishore, which is slated for release on October 16, 2025.
Starring Malayalam superstar Mohanlal and featuring Zahrah S. Khan, the film will be released in Malayalam, Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Hindi, marking Shanaya’s debut in South Indian cinema.
The project, announced in 2023, is expected to be a grand spectacle. Mohanlal will share the first-look poster on his birthday in May 2025.
Shanaya’s third confirmed project is Tu Yaa Main, a survival thriller directed by Bejoy Nambiar and produced by Aanand L. Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions.
Set for release on February 14, 2026, the film stars Shanaya alongside Adarsh Gourav.
The teaser, released in March 2025, has been praised for its gripping premise, outshining other star-kid debuts like Ibrahim Ali Khan’s Nadaaniyan.
The film’s Valentine’s Day release adds an intriguing layer to its thrilling narrative.
One setback in Shanaya’s career was the shelving of Bedhadak, a romantic drama announced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions in 2022.
The film, directed by Shashank Khaitan and co-starring Lakshya Lalwani and Gurfateh Pirzada, was meant to be her debut but was postponed indefinitely due to budget issues and professional circumstances.
Reports from 2024, including statements from her co-star Gurfateh Pirzada and her mother, Maheep Kapoor, revealed that Shanaya experienced a traumatic experience during the shelving.
However, her resilience shines through as she has secured multiple other projects, proving her determination to succeed.
| Film Title | Release Date | Director | Co-Star(s) | Genre | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan | July 11, 2025 | Santosh Singh | Vikrant Massey | Romantic Drama | Upcoming |
| Vrushabha | October 16, 2025 | Nanda Kishore | Mohanlal, Zahrah S. Khan | Action-Adventure | Upcoming |
| Tu Yaa Main | February 14, 2026 | Bejoy Nambiar | Adarsh Gourav | Survival Thriller | Upcoming |
| Bedhadak | Shelved (2024) | Shashank Khaitan | Lakshya, Gurfateh Pirzada | Romantic Drama | Shelved |
Personal Life
Shanaya’s personal life is as captivating as her professional journey.
She shares a close bond with her childhood friends Suhana Khan (daughter of Shah Rukh Khan) and Ananya Panday (daughter of Chunky Panday).
The trio is often spotted together at events, parties, and vacations, and their friendship is a favorite topic among fans.
Their camaraderie is evident on social media, where Suhana once commented “Wow” with starry-eyed emojis on Shanaya’s stunning photoshoot post from Dubai.
Romantic rumors have swirled around Shanaya, with reports suggesting she is dating Karan Kothari, a Mumbai-based businessman and heir to a jewelry business.
The two reportedly met during their university days in Los Angeles, where Karan studied Economics at UCLA.
Their relationship gained attention after they shared similar underwater photos from a Maldives vacation in 2024, and Karan publicly supported Shanaya’s Tu Yaa Main teaser in March 2025.
While neither has confirmed the relationship, their interactions hint at a strong bond.
Earlier rumors linked Shanaya to Rohan Kurup, but that appears to be a past association.
Shanaya is also an avid animal lover, frequently sharing pictures of her pets on Instagram.
Her compassionate nature extends to her fitness routine, which includes weight lifting, cardio, Pilates, and belly dancing.
She inspires her followers to prioritize health and wellness.
Despite her starry background, her down-to-earth personality makes her relatable to fans.
Social Media Presence
Shanaya is a social media sensation, particularly on Instagram, where she has over 2 million followers as of June 2025.
Her handle, @shanayakapoor02, is a vibrant mix of professional photoshoots, candid selfies, and glimpses into her life with family and friends.
She made her Instagram account public in January 2021, quickly gaining thousands of followers within hours.
Her posts, from glamorous red-carpet looks to post-workout glow-ups, showcase her impeccable fashion sense and have established her as a style icon.
She frequently collaborates with fashion brands, such as Madame, and her Euro summer style featuring patterns and maxi dresses has been highlighted by Vogue India.
Shanaya’s engagement with her audience, including sharing behind-the-scenes moments from her film projects, keeps her fans hooked.
Her Instagram also reflects her love for food, with posts about instant noodles, coffee, cookies, and cakes, adding a relatable touch to her glamorous image.
Recent Events
In May 2025, Shanaya and her family faced a profound loss with the passing of her grandmother, Nirmal Kapoor, at age 90.
Nirmal, the mother of Anil, Boney, and Sanjay Kapoor, died peacefully on May 2, 2025, at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai due to age-related issues.
The Kapoor family, including Shanaya, gathered to pay their respects, and industry figures like Aamir Khan and Rani Mukerji attended the funeral.
Anil Kapoor described his mother as the “glue that kept our family close,” while Boney Kapoor issued a statement noting her “full, joyful life.”
Shanaya’s emotional tributes on social media reflected her deep bond with her grandmother.
Despite this personal tragedy, Shanaya has remained focused on her career.
The release of the Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan teaser in June 2025 and the ongoing buzz around her upcoming films demonstrate her ability to balance personal challenges with professional commitments.
Conclusion
Shanaya Kapoor is more than just a star kid; she is a talented individual with a bright future in Bollywood.
From her early days as an assistant director to her glamorous music video debut and a promising slate of films, she is proving her mettle in a competitive industry.
Her resilience in the face of setbacks, like Bedhadak’s shelving, and her ability to connect with fans through social media make her a relatable and inspiring figure.
As she prepares for her big-screen debut in Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, followed by Vrushabha and Tu Yaa Main, fans are eager to see her shine.
At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we are excited to follow Shanaya’s journey and bring you more stories about Bollywood’s rising stars.
Stay tuned to our website for the latest updates, and let us know in the comments which of Shanaya’s upcoming films you are most excited about!
Trivia
Did you know that Shanaya Kapoor made her first public appearance at the prestigious Le Bal des Débutantes in Paris in 2019? This exclusive event introduces young women from prominent families to society, and Shanaya represented India with grace and poise, dazzling in a stunning gown.
About The Author
