Shanaya Kapoor’s Promotions and Vikrant Massey’s Behaviour Spark Debate: Is Bollywood’s PR Narrative Getting Too Obvious?

In the promotional run-up to Shanaya Kapoor’s debut film, an unexpected conversation has taken over social media and fan forums – why are her interviews so scripted and why is Vikrant Massey behaving like a star-struck fan rather than a celebrated actor himself?

A Carefully Crafted PR Persona

Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, is making her Bollywood debut with an upcoming film alongside acclaimed actor Vikrant Massey. However, what has caught the public eye is not her performance yet, but her PR-managed image during interviews. Many viewers who have watched her recent promotional interactions felt that Shanaya was giving “completely PR-trained statements, creating a fake personality with textbook answers.”

Critics pointed out that while she speaks confidently with perfect language control, her interviews lack a personal touch. Unlike Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Alia Bhatt, or even her cousin Khushi Kapoor, Shanaya’s interviews reveal little about her real opinions, experiences, or individuality. They seem overly cautious, as if curated by a team wanting to avoid any controversy or spontaneous remark.

Vikrant Massey’s Odd Behaviour

On the other side of these interviews is Vikrant Massey, who has been widely respected for his versatile performances in films and OTT series over the years. Surprisingly, his demeanour during promotions has come under scrutiny. Viewers noted that “Vikrant is behaving like a fan trying to please and impress Shanaya rather than a seasoned actor promoting his film.”

He has been seen excessively praising Shanaya, calling her an amazing actor and even claiming she received standing ovations on set for her lines and performance. For many, this felt unnatural. As one viewer put it, “If a newcomer is working with you, it is understandable to encourage them out of courtesy, but overpraising looks desperate and forced.”

Some speculated that Vikrant might be trying to stay in the “good books of the Kapoor family.” Others felt disappointed seeing an actor of his calibre resort to what they termed “buttering a debutante who is yet to prove herself.”

The Issue with Over-Curated Narratives

A common criticism of Bollywood’s star kids is the overly polished and carefully planned narrative before their debut. Viewers pointed out how Shanaya continuously speaks about her ‘journey, struggles, and learnings’ as if she has years of experience, while in reality, this is her first film. Her statements about acting, giving tips, and sharing lessons came off as premature and scripted, evoking comparisons with beauty pageant contestants giving cliché answers like “I want world peace.”

One social media user summarised the public mood, writing:

“She’s acting like she’s had an entire decade-long journey when her career has just started. If this continues, people will lose interest because there is no genuineness.”

Vikrant Massey: A Shift in Persona?

Fans who have followed Vikrant Massey’s career noticed a stark difference in his promotional behaviour. Known for his balanced, grounded approach in interviews, he now appeared overenthusiastic and almost submissive around Shanaya. Comments ranged from confusion to disappointment:

“Why is Vikrant praising her like she’s Priyanka Chopra?”

“He used to be so composed and dignified in his interviews. What happened to that Vikrant?”

“If he continues like this, he risks his hard-earned respect.”

Some viewers linked this to Vikrant’s recent social media post hinting at taking a break or possible retirement in 2025. In the post, he spoke about recalibrating life, spending time as a husband, father, and son, and hinted that after his last two films, he might take a step back until the time feels right. This has left many wondering whether his current behaviour is part of a calculated exit strategy to build connections with influential industry families for his return later.

The Debut Performance and Film Plot

While promotions create an image, ultimately, it is the film that decides an actor’s fate. Early viewers of Shanaya’s debut film felt her acting was bearable, not terrible like some previous star kid debuts, but nowhere close to being impressive. One viewer wrote:

“Her acting is better than Khushi or Suhana’s debut, but Vikrant overhyping her performance is ridiculous.”

The film’s plot itself is being criticised for its lack of realism. The story revolves around Shanaya’s character deciding to blindfold herself to understand how visually impaired people navigate the world. She meets Vikrant’s character on a train while blindfolded, and eventually, a romance develops between the two strangers. Critics found the plot unconvincing, as Shanaya’s character seamlessly adapts to moving around blindfolded, with no struggle shown despite it being her first attempt.

The film is also filled with motivational monologues, adding to the drag. Many called it “another illogical feel-good story with no real impact.”

The Advantage of Star Kids and Public Cynicism

One of the recurring frustrations voiced by the audience is the ease with which star kids get opportunities. Even before the release of her first film, Shanaya reportedly has multiple projects lined up for the next one and a half years. “People haven’t even seen her work, yet filmmakers are ready to sign her for multiple films. Meanwhile, talented outsiders struggle for a single chance,” a viewer commented.

This disparity only makes viewers more critical of star kid performances. As the commentary stated:

“When outsiders struggle without any support, star kids with no released film get lined up projects. If they perform decently, it is hyped as amazing acting.”

The Fake Humility Narrative

Many also compared Shanaya’s PR image to Sara Ali Khan’s earlier interviews, where Sara claimed she received pocket money from her mother and did not have direct access to her own funds. However, her comments about UPI OTPs going to her mother created backlash for being unrealistic and out of touch with how basic banking systems work. Critics fear Shanaya is following a similar “sweet and humble middle-class narrative,” which audiences now find hard to believe, especially when old digital footprints hint at her being a bully or mean girl in school circles – allegations often hidden or deleted before a debut.

Public Opinion on Vikrant’s Behaviour

Regarding Vikrant’s praise for Shanaya, fans felt it was “too much and very off-brand for him.” Some felt he was lowering his own stature by excessively glorifying her limited performance, while others believed it could be a strategic move for better industry relationships.

The Harsh Reality of Bollywood Launches

The commentary ends with a sharp observation:

“Before a film releases, everything is in their control – PR image, interviews, promotions. But after release, only the audience decides. It doesn’t matter if you’re a star kid or not. If your work is good, people will praise you. If not, they will call you out.”

Conclusion

The current promotions of Shanaya Kapoor’s debut have reignited the nepotism debate, with her over-curated interviews and Vikrant Massey’s uncharacteristic praise fuelling public cynicism. While PR teams can create any narrative, ultimately, it is the authenticity of an actor’s personality and the strength of their performance that win hearts.

For Shanaya, her true test has just begun. As for Vikrant, fans hope he returns to his dignified, self-assured persona rather than pandering to Bollywood dynasties.