Everyone's watching SHANAYA KAPOOR

The rising star of Bollywood's Gen Z opens up about her journey, aspirations, and the values close to her heart

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Shanaya Kapoor, the rising Gen Z star in Bollywood, is on a determined journey to carve out her place in the industry. Her relentless drive to take on diverse roles and explore various genres showcases her versatility and ambition. In an exclusive and candid conversation with ELLE, Kapoor reveals the depth of her multifaceted persona—from her passionate advocacy for animal welfare to the dedication required to portray different characters.

ELLE: How do you balance honouring your family’s legacy while forging your identity and carving out a unique path?

Shanaya Kapoor (SK): What’s truly important is to keep your head down and work extremely hard. Focus on honing your strengths and addressing your weaknesses while maintaining a strong sense of self-awareness. In doing so, you yourself are honouring your family’s legacy and making them unfathomably proud. By being authentic and finding what truly makes me different, I am acknowledging where I come from and, at the same time, forging something new and valuable.

ELLE: Tell us about some of the projects or causes outside of the entertainment industry close to your heart and why they hold significance for you.