Imagine a young woman stepping onto Bollywood’s dazzling stage, her voice echoing through a romantic melody as millions watch, ready to judge.
On July 4, 2025, Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, did just that with her debut song “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan” from Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.
The internet is buzzing, fans are cheering, and critics are weighing in—is this the start of a new Bollywood dynasty? Let’s dive into Shanaya’s big break, the song that’s stealing hearts, and what it means for her future in the industry.
The Song That Launched a Star
“Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan,” released on July 4, 2025, is the first song from Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video (VVKWWV), a quirky romantic comedy starring Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
Directed by Raaj Shaandilyaa, the film promises a mix of humor and heart, set to hit theaters on October 11, 2025. The song, a soulful romantic number, features:
- Singer: Vishal Mishra, whose emotive voice has fans swooning.
- Lyrics: Kumaar, known for crafting catchy, heartfelt words.
- Music Composer: Vishal Mishra, doubling up to create a melody that’s already trending.
- Choreography: A vibrant mix of modern and classic Bollywood moves, with Shanaya’s screen presence stealing the show.
The music video, shot in vibrant locations, showcases Shanaya alongside the film’s leads, her expressive performance earning praise for its freshness.
Posted by T-Series on X, the video crossed 1 million views in hours, with fans calling it “a perfect Bollywood debut” (khabargaon.com).
Shanaya Kapoor: From Star Kid to Spotlight
Shanaya Kapoor, 25, is no stranger to Bollywood’s glitz. As the daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and producer Maheep Kapoor, she grew up in the industry’s shadow.
Her cousin Janhvi Kapoor and friend Suhana Khan have already made their mark, but Shanaya took her time. Here’s her journey:
- Early Days: Born November 3, 1999, Shanaya studied at Ecole Mondiale World School in Mumbai and briefly at USC, Los Angeles.
- Behind the Scenes: She worked as an assistant director on Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl (2020), learning the ropes under cousin Janhvi’s production.
- Acting Pivot: Signed by Dharma Productions for Bedhadak (shelved in 2022), she shifted focus to VVKWWV and now this song.
- Social Media Star: With 1.9 million Instagram followers, Shanaya’s fashion and lifestyle posts already made her a youth icon.
Her debut in “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan” marks her first on-screen role, though she’s not in the film’s main cast. Instead, the song serves as a promotional launchpad, a common Bollywood strategy to test new talent.
The Buzz on X: Fans and Critics React
Shanaya’s debut has set X ablaze, with fans and skeptics weighing in. Many praise her poise and charm, while others question if her star-kid status gives her an unfair edge. Here’s a breakdown of reactions:
- Positive: Fans love her fresh look, with comments like, “Shanaya’s screen presence is magnetic!” and “This song is a banger, she’s a natural.”
- Skeptical: Some call her debut a “nepo boost,” noting, “Another star kid getting a free pass?” or “Let’s see if she can act beyond music videos.”
- Neutral: Others are curious, saying, “She looks promising, but I need to see more.”
Here’s a snapshot of X sentiment:
| Sentiment | Percentage | Example Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Excited/Supportive | 60% | “Shanaya’s debut is fire! Can’t wait for more!” |
| Skeptical/Critical | 25% | “Another nepo kid? Prove your talent, Shanaya.” |
| Neutral/Curious | 15% | “She’s got potential, but is she in the movie?” |
Do star kids like Shanaya have an edge in Bollywood?
- A) Yes, their connections open doors.
- B) No, talent matters more than lineage.
- C) It’s a mix of both.
Share your vote in the comments to join the conversation!
Quick Summary
If you don’t have time to read the full article, here’s the gist:
- Shanaya’s Debut: Shanaya Kapoor debuted in the song “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan” from Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, released July 4, 2025.
- Song Details: Sung and composed by Vishal Mishra, with lyrics by Kumaar, it’s a romantic hit featuring Shanaya with Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri.
- Her Journey: Daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, she worked as an assistant director before this acting break.
- Public Reaction: X is buzzing with 60% praising her, 25% skeptical of her star-kid status, and 15% curious for more.
- Significance: The song marks her Bollywood entry and highlights the role of music in launching new talent.
Bollywood’s Star-Kid Trend and Music’s Power
Shanaya’s debut fits a familiar Bollywood pattern: star kids often get high-profile launches. Recent examples include:
- Suhana Khan: Debuted in The Archies (2023), produced by Zoya Akhtar.
- Agastya Nanda: Also in The Archies, grandson of Amitabh Bachchan.
- Janhvi Kapoor: Launched with Dhadak (2018), now a leading actress.
Music videos are a strategic entry point. Songs like “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan” generate buzz, with T-Series’ massive reach (260 million YouTube subscribers) ensuring visibility.
Bollywood’s music industry, worth $500 million annually, drives film promotions, and Shanaya’s debut leverages this trend. The song’s success—1 million views in hours—shows how music can catapult new faces to fame.
Challenges and Expectations for Shanaya
As a star kid, Shanaya faces intense scrutiny. Bollywood fans often criticize nepotism, with X posts like, “Why always star kids?” Yet, her supporters argue she’s earning her place. Challenges include:
- Proving Talent: Beyond her glamorous debut, Shanaya must deliver in acting roles to silence critics.
- Comparisons: She’s pitted against Suhana, Janhvi, and Ananya Panday, all navigating similar paths.
- Pressure of Legacy: As a Kapoor, expectations are sky-high, especially with Dharma Productions’ backing.
Her next project, reportedly a full-fledged role in Dono or a new Dharma film, will be crucial. Fans hope she’ll emulate Ranbir Kapoor, another star kid who proved his mettle with films like Barfi!.
A Star on the Rise
Shanaya Kapoor’s debut in “Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyaan” is more than a song—it’s the launch of a potential Bollywood star. Her charm, backed by a catchy melody and T-Series’ muscle, has won hearts, but the road ahead is tough.
Can she rise above the “nepo kid” label and carve her own legacy? As Vicky Aur Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video hits theaters on October 11, 2025, all eyes will be on Shanaya. For now, her first step is a hit, and Bollywood’s newest star kid is ready to shine.
