In the glittering world of Bollywood debuts, support from friends often means more than red carpets or applause. That sentiment was on full display as Shanaya Kapoor made her long-awaited acting debut with Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, and her best friend Ananya Panday, though miles away, made sure her love and pride were felt.
The film, which pairs Shanaya with Vikrant Massey in a heartfelt romantic drama, had its premiere on Wednesday evening, drawing in an intimate crowd of family, friends, and film industry well-wishers. The event marked not only a career milestone for Shanaya but also a full-circle moment for the Kapoor family, who were present in full support—Sanjay Kapoor, Maheep Kapoor, Khushi Kapoor, and Arjun Kapoor all posed proudly by her side.
While Ananya Panday couldn’t attend the screening due to her shooting schedule in Rajasthan, she didn’t let distance come in the way of celebrating her best friend. Taking to Instagram Stories, Ananya posted a sweet photo of Shanaya with her mother Maheep Kapoor and penned a heartfelt message: “So sad I missed my beautiful bestie’s most special night but I’m gonna be seated in the cinema on Friday and you should be too!”
It wasn’t just a congratulatory note—it was a reminder of the deep-rooted friendship between the two star kids, who’ve grown up together under the media’s watchful eye.
In Aankhon Ki Gustakhiyan, Shanaya steps into the role of a passionate theatre artist opposite Vikrant Massey’s blind musician. Produced by Zee Studios, Mini Films, and Open Window Films, the film explores love, longing, and the emotional complexity of art and disability.
Shanaya’s debut is being welcomed with warm wishes and high expectations. The title track, sung by Jubin Nautiyal with music by Vishal Mishra, has already stirred excitement among fans.
Meanwhile, Ananya Panday is busy shooting her next film Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri with Kartik Aaryan in Rajasthan. The romantic comedy is one of several projects in her pipeline. She’s been keeping fans engaged with behind-the-scenes glimpses from the set and candid snapshots with the cast and crew.
Despite her hectic schedule, Ananya continues to show up for her friends, even if virtually. Her unwavering support for Shanaya is not just an example of true friendship, but a beautiful gesture in an industry where relationships often seem transactional.
While Shanaya is now basking in the limelight with her first release, she’s already gearing up for her next—Bejoy Nambiar’s Tu Yaa Main, a survival thriller where she stars opposite Adarsh Gourav. Ananya, on the other hand, is on a roll after recent successes and is expected to lead several big-ticket films in the coming year, continuing to cement her position as one of the most bankable young stars in Bollywood.
As both friends charge ahead in their respective journeys, their bond remains a shining example of what it means to truly root for each other—even when you’re in different corners of the world.