Shanaya Kapoor Set for Tollywood Debut

Hyderabad is set to become the launch pad for yet another star kid. Shanaya Kapoor is the latest Bollywood actor to look south for new opportunities. The 26-year-old will make her Telugu debut in the sequel to the 2021 zombie comedy Zombie Reddy, opposite Teja Sajja.

Teja has emerged as one of Telugu cinema’s most bankable young stars following the success of HanuMan and Mirai.

After making her Bollywood debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan opposite Vikrant Massey and later starring in Tu Yaa Mein—neither of which generated much buzz—Shanaya is now eyeing bigger opportunities beyond Hindi cinema.

Reports suggest that she has already shot a brief schedule for the film, and that the makers chose her for the energy she brings to the role. “She has been sensible to choose a zombie comedy, and one opposite an actor who is still rising in the ranks, rather than doing a film opposite a big star and getting lost in the frame. Things are tough for these young actors who are already overexposed with their numerous media postings. Telugu cinema could well be testing new waters for her,” says a source.