Shanaya Kapoor may be a relatively new face in the Indian film industry, but her presence in the public eye goes back many years. As the daughter of actors Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, Shanaya has grown up under constant media and public attention. While she enjoys immense support and admiration from fans, the 27-year-old actor has also had to deal with the darker side of fame—online trolling and body shaming. In a recent interview, Shanaya opened up about how negativity on social media impacts her emotionally.
Being in the limelight often means facing relentless scrutiny, and Shanaya is no stranger to that reality. Speaking to Zoom, the Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan debutant admitted that while she tries to stay mentally strong, certain comments—especially those targeting her appearance—can be difficult to ignore. She revealed that remarks about her looks, including comments on her jawline, have affected her more than she would like to admit.
Shanaya shared that she frequently engages with audience reactions, as she values their approval and opinions. She makes a conscious effort to acknowledge feedback and remain connected with her followers. However, when criticism shifts from professional feedback to personal attacks, it becomes emotionally taxing. “I do try to ignore comments about my looks or the negativity around it. Yet, it’s crucial to acknowledge that such comments can be hurtful at times; when I try to escape from that, it becomes a bit challenging for me personally,” she said.
Despite the negativity, Shanaya strives to maintain perspective and emotional balance. On particularly difficult days, when the trolling becomes overwhelming, she turns to her mother, Maheep Kapoor, for comfort and support. Shanaya described her mother as her emotional anchor, someone she can confide in without hesitation. This support system, she said, helps her process the criticism and move forward with confidence.
The actress also acknowledged that not all criticism is bad. According to Shanaya, feedback related to her acting or dancing is something she takes seriously, even if it is delivered harshly. She believes that constructive criticism, when it focuses on her craft, plays an important role in her growth as an artist. “It might not be phrased nicely, and it can sting a bit, but it serves as a reality check,” she explained, adding that she feels a sense of responsibility toward the audience to improve based on their reactions.
Shanaya emphasized that learning to distinguish between trolling and genuine feedback is an ongoing process for her. While personal remarks about her body or facial features can be hurtful, she is gradually learning to filter out the noise and focus on developing her skills. As a newcomer in the industry, she views every experience—positive or negative—as part of her journey.
On the professional front, Shanaya Kapoor is gearing up for her next big-screen appearance in Tu Yaa Main, a survival thriller directed by Bejoy Nambiar. The film also stars Adarsh Gaurav in the lead role and is produced by Aanand L. Rai and Himanshu Sharma. The upcoming drama is an official remake of the 2018 Thai film The Pool.
In Tu Yaa Main, Shanaya and Adarsh portray social media influencers whose lives take a terrifying turn during a retreat. What begins as a chance encounter soon spirals into a fight for survival as they find themselves trapped in a deadly situation involving a crocodile. The film promises a gripping narrative packed with tension and psychological drama.
Tu Yaa Main is slated to hit theatres on February 13, 2026. As Shanaya continues to navigate the highs and lows of public life, her candid admission about online body shaming highlights the emotional challenges faced by young actors growing up in the digital age.