Shanaya Kapoor Says She Didn’t Take Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan’s Mixed Reception to Heart: Here’s Why
Shanaya Kapoor, the rising Bollywood actress from a prominent film family, has recently opened up about her emotional journey following the mixed reception to her debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan. Despite high expectations and the film’s underwhelming performance at the box office, Shanaya’s candid reflections reveal a grounded and resilient approach to her career. Here’s an in-depth look at how she processed the response and what this moment means for her as a young actor.
Understanding Shanaya Kapoor’s Debut: Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan
At the center of this conversation is Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh, based on Ruskin Bond’s short story The Eyes Have It. The film stars Shanaya Kapoor opposite Vikrant Massey and features several seasoned actors in supporting roles. Upon its release, the movie generated mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike. Some praised its emotional core and poetic moments, while others found the storytelling predictable or lacking depth.
Despite being a much-anticipated debut, the film struggled commercially and didn’t perform strongly at the box office, which could have been a discouraging start for many newcomers.
Why Shanaya Kapoor Didn’t Let the Mixed Reception Define Her
Embracing the Emotional Milestone
For Shanaya Kapoor, seeing Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan finally hit theatres was not just about numbers—it was a deeply meaningful personal achievement. In a recent interview, she explained that watching herself on the big screen was a moment she had dreamt of for years, and she focused on that emotional realization rather than dwelling on the commercial outcome.
She described that experience as “blown away” and treasured the fact that she had achieved something she had worked toward for so long. That mindset allowed her to appreciate the moment for what it was: a significant milestone in her life and career, irrespective of box office figures.
Focused on Growth and Not Setbacks
At the time Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan released, Shanaya was already immersed in the shoot for her next project Tu Yaa Main, which helped her stay grounded and forward-looking. She highlighted that she didn’t take the film’s mixed reception “too much to heart” because she was occupied with work and eager to keep growing as an artist.
This forward-looking attitude reflects a maturity not always seen in debut actors who may be more sensitive to harsh reviews or disappointing box office numbers. Shanaya made a conscious effort to shift her energy toward her next opportunity rather than fixate on what didn’t go as expected.
What Shanaya Kapoor Learned from the Experience
Valuing Audience Appreciation Over Numbers
While Shanaya admitted that box office success would have been wonderful and that she genuinely wants audiences to fill theatres for her films, she emphasized that the love and appreciation she received from those who did watch the movie truly motivated her. This positive reception, no matter how limited, helped her stay inspired and optimistic.
She made it clear that hearing from fans who enjoyed her performance was far more meaningful than letting critics’ opinions dictate her self-worth as an actor.
Staying True to Her Instincts
Shanaya also talked about how this experience hasn’t changed the way she chooses her scripts. She believes in following her gut instinct when it comes to selecting roles and stories that resonate with her on a personal level.
She told the media that she asks herself whether she feels genuinely connected to a project, and that this instinct guides her decisions. This approach suggests she is prioritizing artistic truth and personal alignment over formulaic choices aimed solely at commercial success.
Dealing with Criticism and Public Scrutiny
Before Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan even released, Shanaya Kapoor had already been navigating public scrutiny. As the daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, she grew up with exposure to the entertainment industry, but that hasn’t insulated her from harsh online criticism.
Rather than avoiding negative feedback, Shanaya has chosen to engage with it thoughtfully. In past interviews, she shared that she actively reads critical comments and uses them as constructive feedback to improve her craft.
Her willingness to confront criticism—whether about her acting choices, appearance, or performances—signals a grounded and self-aware approach to her development as an artist.
What’s Next for Shanaya Kapoor
With Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan behind her, Shanaya is gearing up for her next big release: Tu Yaa Main. Produced by Colour Yellow and starring Adarsh Gourav alongside her, the film is slated to hit theatres soon. This project represents a fresh chance for Shanaya to showcase her versatility and continue building her career momentum.
Her attitude going into this release is the same blend of optimism and realism she has demonstrated since she entered the industry—focused on growth, open to challenges, and not afraid to take risks.
The Bigger Picture: Resilience in a Tough Industry
Shanaya’s journey so far offers valuable insights into what it takes to navigate the highs and lows of Bollywood. Her response to the mixed reception of her debut film shows emotional intelligence, resilience, and a long-term perspective that prioritizes craft over instant validation.
For many aspiring actors and readers interested in the entertainment world, Shanaya Kapoor’s approach is an encouraging reminder that setbacks can be reframed as learning experiences, and that success is as much about persistence as it is about talent.
Conclusion: A Debut Experience That Shaped a Mindset
Shanaya Kapoor may have faced mixed reception with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, but how she responded to it reveals strength of character and vision. By choosing not to let disappointment derail her, focusing on growth, and valuing meaningful connections with her audience, Shanaya is charting her own path in an unpredictable industry.
Her candid reflections remind us that every artist’s journey is unique, and sometimes the true measure of success lies not in numbers, but in perseverance and passion.
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