Shanaya Kapoor Attributes 'Tu Ya Main' Role to Destiny and Perfect Timing
Emerging Bollywood actor Shanaya Kapoor has revealed that she believes destiny played a crucial role in landing her second film project, the upcoming survival thriller titled 'Tu Ya Main'. In the movie, Kapoor portrays the character of a social media influencer, marking a significant step in her evolving career.
From Debut to Destiny: Kapoor's Journey in Bollywood
Shanaya Kapoor, who is the daughter of veteran actor Sanjay Kapoor and Mahip Kapoor, made her acting debut opposite Vikrant Massey in the film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. Reflecting on her casting for 'Tu Ya Main', she credited renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra for considering her for the pivotal role.
"When I read the scenes, I found them super fun," Kapoor shared in an interview with PTI. "I was like, it's destiny that allowed me to be there at the right time, right moment and Mukesh sir for thinking of me in the first place that I got the chance to audition. I'm just starting out, so I'm just like an open book, I want to explore everything. I need to figure out which direction I want to go in."
Plot Details and Release Information for 'Tu Ya Main'
The film 'Tu Ya Main' centers around social media influencers played by Shanaya Kapoor and Adarsh Gourav. Their romantic getaway takes a terrifying and deadly turn when the couple becomes trapped in a swimming pool with a crocodile, creating a high-stakes survival scenario.
Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Bejoy Nambiar, the survival thriller is scheduled for theatrical release on February 13. The production boasts notable producers including Aanand L Rai, Himanshu Sharma, and Vinod Bhanushali.
Reflecting on Debut Film and Box Office Realities
While Shanaya Kapoor's debut film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' did not achieve commercial success at the box office, the actor maintains a positive perspective on the experience. She described seeing herself on the big screen for the first time as a "big achievement" personally.
"I wouldn't say that it (film) didn't receive love. It didn't reflect in the numbers. But for me, it was a moment, I was happy seeing myself on the big screen. For me, that was that moment that I've been waiting for," Kapoor explained.
"So, when I was watching it in the theatre even if no one was there, it was just me, I was like, 'What is going on?'. I had to soak in that moment, appreciate that moment and not get distracted by anything else. It was my first movie and it's very special to me, it always will be, no matter what."
Moving Forward with Focus and Determination
Rather than dwelling on the commercial outcome of her debut, Kapoor emphasized her focus shifted immediately to her next project, 'Tu Ya Main'. She expressed clear aspirations for her career trajectory and audience reception.
"I'm an actor, I want my films to do well, I want the audiences to go in, and like it (theatre) should be jam-packed. I want that and that is the dream and that's what I'm working towards and that is the aim and motivation."
Intensive Preparation for the Role of Social Media Influencer Avani
To authentically portray her character Avani, a social media influencer, Shanaya Kapoor undertook substantial preparation. She revisited classic survival thriller films including 'Jaws', 'Crawl', and 'The Meg' to understand the genre's dynamics and tension-building techniques.
Additionally, Kapoor engaged in unconventional acting exercises under the guidance of acting coach Atul Mongia, a technique introduced to her by co-star Adarsh Gourav.
"At first when I heard it, I was like, 'I don't know if this is for me and if I can do it'. But I gave it a shot and it really helped," she revealed. "I watched a lot of videos of black panther, and that really helped me. I felt the way they moved was graceful, sensual, charming, and confident."
Kapoor further elaborated on how this preparation informed her character development: "My character Avani has that sensual side where you feel a little intimidated and she's just gazing, she's not looking at you in a way that you get scared, but there's something about her look."
As Shanaya Kapoor continues to navigate her early career in Bollywood, her approach combines gratitude for opportunities, dedication to craft improvement, and ambitious goals for future projects. Her journey from debutante to starring in a survival thriller demonstrates both her evolving skills and the unpredictable nature of film industry opportunities.
