Shanaya Kapoor, who is gearing up for her debut release Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan alongside Vikrant Massey, exclusively confessed to News18 Showsha that she understands she comes from a privileged background. However, the debutante has faced her share of difficulties and roadblocks. During the promotions of Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya spoke to us about her setbacks and how it has all been a 鈥渏ourney鈥 to reach where she is today.
When being asked if things came easier to her, she said, 鈥淚鈥檓 fully aware of where I come from; the family that I come from. I know that the opportunities that have come my way is still been far easier compared to other people. I also know this, that the access doesn鈥檛 mean guaranteed acceptance. The audience has to choose and accept me. They are going to see me on the screen on July 11. They will tell me if I鈥檓 worthy or not. And for that, I have to put in the work. I have to put in 100 percent because I have to earn my place in this industry with my work, with my honest choices. That is what I鈥檓 trying and have tried to do.鈥
She added, 鈥淎nd yes, I鈥檝e had those opportunities, but I鈥檝e also seen the setbacks, which I鈥檓 very grateful that I went through that phase [for a] couple of years, because those setbacks and the unpredictability that I understood about the industry, the ups and downs made me value my work even more. Now, when I get a script, there鈥檚 a lot of weightage when I hold it in my hands. It鈥檚 a blessing. You really thank the universe.鈥
Besides, Shanaya also feels that facing the camera is a 鈥渟urreal鈥 experience. Adding further, she said, 鈥淔acing the camera is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It鈥檚 such a surreal feeling. Like after the cut you go back and you鈥檙e like, 鈥極h my God, that鈥檚 going to last forever鈥. So, you cannot take this lightly. You owe it to the camera and the audience. You owe it to the actor you鈥檙e working with, the crew that is there waiting for you to get that shot, and of course, also owe it to yourself. That鈥檚 the least amount that I can do to have something so big that鈥檚 everlasting. I鈥檓 just happy with how things have happened.鈥
But was she always this positive and optimistic about her career? 鈥淥f course, in the moment, I鈥檓 not going to sit here and say that I was so positive. I was not,鈥 the debutante star said, adding, 鈥淭here were moments where I was thinking this is just not going to happen, or maybe this is not meant to happen and it鈥檚 it. You had those feelings, but you had to pick yourself up. You have to keep working. And what was like my mom always says, 鈥楾he universe has a plan and trust the universe, put your head down. What鈥檚 in your control, you control that鈥.鈥
She continued, 鈥淲hat you can control is working hard, working on your craft. If you鈥檙e not performing in front of the camera for now, perform in front of students, perform in front of your peers. I was doing that. One week my Saturday plan was to pick a scene and go perform in front of 40 kids. I used to enjoy and they were my audience and they used to give their feedback. I was still doing what I loved during those few years. And I鈥檓 happy that I went through that because when I finally came on the first day of shoot on the set, there was of course, the nervousness, the overwhelming. I was a student and I鈥檓 learning constantly, but there was some sort of calmness that at least I deserve a bit to at least step foot in this set. I think that just grounded me a little bit, just having that awareness. I think everything, like my mom said, 鈥榟appens for a reason鈥.鈥
After Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya Kapoor will be seen in director Bejoy Nambiar鈥檚 survival thriller, Tu Yaa Main, where she will star alongside Adarsh Gourav.