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India Today
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Today
Exclusive: How an Instagram reel got Shanaya Kapoor her first feature film
Director Santosh Singh, known for 'Broken But Beautiful', has stepped into the spotlight again with 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' - a romantic drama that brings together Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey. In an exclusive chat with India Today, Singh opened up about casting Shanaya, how an Instagram reel sealed the deal, and why Vikrant remains one of his most trusted CASTING SHANAYAInterestingly, Shanaya wasn't the first choice for the role of Saba (female lead in 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'). "I'm not going to name anyone, but someone else was initially supposed to do the film. Due to date issues and a clash with another project, she had to let go,' Singh it has been reported that Tara Sutaria was the said choice. He knew the character needed 'a lot of freshness, innocence, inherent charm, and strong acting chops.' But multiple auditions and rounds of discussions didn't yield the right fit - until a casual conversation with music composer Vishal Mishra changed everything.'During one of our sessions, I shared our casting ordeal. Vishal suggested Shanaya Kapoor and asked what I thought of her. Honestly, I hadn't seen any of her work, so I went to Instagram,' Singh recalled. While scrolling through her profile, he stumbled upon a reel of Shanaya walking the ramp in a saree to the song 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. 'She looked very good on screen. That was the moment a seed was planted," he the trailer of the film here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zee Studios (@zeestudiosofficial)But it wasn't just about screen presence. Singh was impressed by Shanaya's commitment to her craft even when projects weren't materialising. He continued, 'She could've slipped into self-doubt, but she kept working on her acting. She kept auditioning quietly in the background." When her audition for 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' came to him, 'there was a spark.'When asked whether he felt pressured about casting a debutante in his film, Santosh Singh admitted there was definitely a sense of responsibility. 'Of course, there was pressure - when people see you on screen, you have to be so good that there's no scope for criticism. Shanaya understood that,' he BACK VIKRANT MASSEY'S CAREERThe film also reunites Singh with Vikrant Massey, whom he has worked with on the beloved romantic series 'Broken But Beautiful'. Reflecting on Massey's journey, the director said, 'From TV shows like 'Balika Vadhu' to where he is today, it's been a long journey. I've known him since before 'Broken But Beautiful', and his growth as an actor has been immense.'advertisementBut beyond talent, what Singh values most is Massey's humility. 'We tend to get corrupted by success, but Vikrant has remained the same person I knew in 2015. He's still growing - and he's only going upward from here," he 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan', Santosh Singh brings together fresh energy and familiar trust. The film released in theatres on July 11 and has been getting lukewarm reviews.- EndsMust Watch
News18
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- News18
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Review: Shanaya Kapoor Shines In Her Debut, But Film Falls Short On Execution
Shanaya Kapoor impresses in her debut Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama with heartfelt performances and soulful music, but flawed execution holds it back. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, the much-anticipated debut vehicle for Shanaya Kapoor, has finally arrived. And without diving straight into the technicalities of the script, music, or narrative structure, let's get the first thing out of the way: Shanaya has done well. Her effort is visible in every frame, and it's safe to say she cries better than half of the current lot trying to pull off emotional breakdowns in films. While debut performances often get a sympathetic cushion, hers doesn't need one; her sincerity is hard to miss. Now, let's start from where the story begins. Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan is the story of two adults, Saba (Shanaya) and Zahan (Vikrant Massey), who meet on a train journey. More than a coincidence, it was their destiny. The movie marks Santosh Singh's directorial debut in films, as he returns to the romantic genre after the success of his series Broken But Beautiful. It also reunites him with Vikrant Massey after nearly seven years. Zahan is a blind man, while Saba has blindfolded herself to prepare for an audition. The two are heading to Mussoorie, and Saba's manager has left her alone. Now, unaware of Zahan's condition, Saba assumes he will help her out because she's alone. Amazed by the idea that, for once, someone will not sympathise with him, Zahan decides to play along without revealing his blindness. What follows is a familiar tale: hero and heroine fall in love, one leaves, years later they meet again, and then comes the forever after. This interesting premise sets the stage for what could have been a nuanced, layered love story. Instead, what unfolds is a more formulaic Bollywood narrative- boy meets girl, they fall in love, circumstances tear them apart, they reunite years later, and the story ends with the promise of forever. Shanaya Kapoor, the debutant actress, and her character share one similarity: both are delicately, passionately, and wholeheartedly in love with their work, and it shows in the film. Unlike many, Shanaya's debut didn't feel like a favour done to her. She seems to have genuinely worked hard, and her performance, though far from perfect, is not half-hearted. Vikrant Massey doesn't need an introduction. He has been delivering it, and it seems like he will continue to do so. What's different this time is his look, and, to be honest, he's serving and looking quite attractive throughout the film. This movie finally gives the audience a chance to see Vikrant in a full-on lover-boy role, which was long overdue. Watching him lip-sync and dance was a delight. There's another character in the film, Zain Khan Durrani plays Abhinav, the man Saba is dating post her fallout with Zahan. Looking at Abhinav, I just had one question: Where do we find a man this green-flag? Abhinav is the guy who only exists in every girl's dream. A guy who lets you go and get closure from your ex, a guy who makes you feel like a princess, a guy who plans the best proposal for you. Basically, he's the blueprint for what every woman wishes for, and what most men fear being compared to. Zain plays him with restraint and quiet strength, making Abhinav more than a placeholder in the love triangle. So, with a decent plot, sincere performances, and a soulful soundtrack by Vishal Mishra, where does Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan falter? In one word: execution. There are so many flaws that you can't overlook them all. Some dialogues had the audience chuckling, for all the wrong reasons. While there were a few hilarious, well-written scenes, the flawed execution has turned this into a half-baked cake: it looks tempting but isn't palatable. The situations in the film very conveniently turn to suit the leads. In one scene, Zahan orders the same pair of drinks that were spiked by a guy, and this leads to a kiss between Saba and Zahan. How convenient? In all entire Europe, Zahan gets a gig in a band where Saba is the lead dancer, how convenient? It feels like if this 2-hour-20-minute film were trimmed down to 1 hour 30 minutes, it would have earned more cheer. Vishal Mishra's music still carries that trademark innocence, which suits the film's plot. To sum up, it's the kind of film you want to like, and sometimes you almost do. But 'almost" doesn't always make the cut. First Published: July 11, 2025, 12:28 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Vikrant Massey opens up about his love story with wife Sheetal Thakur: ‘She said, the moment I saw you, I saw the father of my kids'
Vikrant Massey , who recently embraced fatherhood with wife Sheetal Thakur , got candid about their relationship journey. The 12th Fail actor spoke in detail about how they met, fell in love, supported each other through tough times, and ultimately built a life and family together. Vikrant and Sheetal were first introduced through a mutual friend in 2015. But it wasn't until they worked together on the set of Broken But Beautiful in 2018 that their bond truly deepened. 'It was definitely not love at first sight,' Vikrant confessed on Rhea Chakraborty 's podcast. 'It was love at third sight. But there were serious sparks. I was single at the time and thought she was so pretty.' He shared a key moment during New Year's when he realized he was missing her terribly while on a trip with friends in Karjat. 'We had that awkward side hug, front hug moment before I left, and I just couldn't stop thinking about her. I was on the phone the whole time with her. My friends even asked, 'Why did you come here?'' "I saw the father of my kids," Sheetal had said early on Vikrant recalled a comment from Sheetal that stuck with him over the years. 'When we met again, she told me something that actually turned out to be true. She said, 'The moment I saw you, I saw the father of my kids.' It might sound creepy, but today, we're parents to a wonderful boy. It's crazy how life turns out.' The couple lived together before marriage—a decision encouraged by Vikrant's mother to help them understand each other better. They got engaged in 2019 and registered their marriage on February 14, 2022, followed by a traditional ceremony. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Don't Bother With An Expensive Will (Do This Instead) Local Will Finder Undo Their son, Vardaan, was born in February 2024. 'She supported me for six months when I was struggling' When Rhea reminded Vikrant of a conversation they had seven years ago—where he had said he found 'the one'—he smiled and acknowledged it, joking, 'Yeah, I found her first, then I ran out of money. Then she took care of me.' Vikrant revealed that during a low phase in his career, after Lootera, when he was struggling to land more films, Sheetal supported him financially and emotionally. 'She supported me for a good four, five months—almost six months, actually—when I was trying my luck in films. When nothing came through, I went back to TV. I did Qubool Hai and slowly, films started coming in again.' Vikrant Massey Openly Admits He Tried PR, Felt 'Fake,' and Quit Shared values and mutual respect form the foundation of their bond Reflecting on their compatibility, Vikrant said, 'I don't know what works or doesn't work in relationships. But in our case, our backgrounds were very similar. Our hunger for a good, dignified, respectable life was the same. Our value systems and worldviews aligned.' He admitted that disagreements are part of every relationship, but it's the foundation that matters. 'There are disagreements, of course. But the pillars are strong. Certain things remain constant, and that's what keeps you together.'
Hindustan Times
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan director Santosh Singh on scrutiny of Shanaya Kapoor due to star kid tag: We should let her…
After a couple of announced and subsequently shelved projects, Shanaya Kapoor is finally making her acting debut next month in a love story Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan with Vikrant Massey. The director of the film, Santosh Singh believes it was destiny that made it so. 'It's always good to get more actors in the industry and this is the correct film for Shanaya Kapoor to come into the industry. It is a challenging role, which we have not seen a lot of newcomers coming into the industry do. It's a very daring move what she has done,' he says. Being a star kid, Shanaya's entry into films has been scrutinised and judged even before seeing her work on screen. Ask Santosh if this constant judgement does effect him as a maker and he says, 'In today's time, people are quick to jump in and start judging somebody. Of course, there's a bit of pressure about that, but we want to let Shanaya's work speak for itself. You see somebody's work and then you judge. That's the best way. Everyone should get a fair chance.' Giving his take on nepotism, he adds, 'This whole debate is there, and there's no right or wrong to it. There are some star kids who are getting chances, but they're not delivering, and that leads to people judging them all. And their work is proving them right. So, if you're getting that chance, you need to give your 100% and prove yourself. It doesn't matter which background you come from, if your work is good, you will always be welcomed.' He defends the work Shanaya has put in for her film and says, 'Shanaya's gone through the whole ordeal including months of workshops. Every day for four months, she'd send us videos of her progress after rehearsals. Until she was fully prepared, we didn't go on floors, so she has given her all to it.' The first poster of Vikrant Massey and Shanaya together brought along some criticism with people pointing out the age gap between the pair. Reacting to it, Santosh says, 'People will react to it how they want but when you see the film, you will get all your answers. It is as simple as that, it's the requirement of the story. I'm not worried about it because I know how lovely they are looking, and how well they are complimenting each other on screen. It's a very unusual pairing, but the story demanded that unusual pairing to happen.' He also raves about Vikrant, who he had previously directed in his OTT debut series Broken But Beautiful. Now, making his theatrical debut with him again, Santosh discusses what makes him so relatable as a romantic hero: 'It's an unusual choice for him to do love stories as people don't see him as a romantic actor, especially makers. But after our show, I realised he's so natural and effortless in this genre. With him, it doesn't feel like there's a hero doing it, it feels like a common person doing a common love story, so it connects well with the masses because you see yourself in him.'
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan OTT Release: Where to watch Vikrant Massey & Shanaya Kapoor's romantic after theatres
Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan OTT Release: Daughter of Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, is all set to make her acting debut with this thrilling romantic also starring Vikrant Massey. The first look poster of the film was released earlier today, along with the release date - 11th July 2025. For those wondering where to watch it online, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan will be streaming on ZEE5 after its theatrical run concludes. While the exact OTT release date has not been announced, it is expected to follow the standard industry window of 4–8 weeks post-theatrical release. Meet the team behind Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Director: Santosh Singh Producers: Mansi Bagla, Varun Bagla Writers: Mansi Bagla, Niranjan Iyengar Cinematographer: Tanveer Mir Music Composer: Vishal Mishra Production Companies: Zee Studios, Mini Films Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan's plot overview Adapted from Ruskin Bond's short story The Eyes Have It, the film narrates the story of a blind musician and a theatre artist who meet during a train journey. Their brief encounter evolves into a special connection, exploring themes of perception, vulnerability, and the nuances of human relationships. Set against contemporary backdrops in Mussoorie and Mumbai, the narrative explores how two individuals, bound by their visual impairments, navigate the complexities of love and connection. Director Santosh Singh, known for his work on Broken But Beautiful, envisioned Vikrant Massey in a romantic role, marking a departure from Massey's recent intense characters. The casting of Shanaya Kapoor followed an extensive audition process, with Kapoor undergoing four months of workshops and acting coaching to prepare for her debut role. On the work front, Shanaya Kapoor will be next seen in Tu Yaa Main alongside Adarsh Gourav, set for Valentine's Day 2026, whereas Vikrant Massey has Yaar Jigri, Arjun Ustara and Talaakhon Mein Ek.
