Bollywood’s Kapoor clan has always attracted attention, but the spotlight is now shifting to the younger generation. Janhvi Kapoor and Shanaya Kapoor—both star kids and cousins—are making headlines, not for a collaboration, but for an alleged cold war brewing between them. Social media users, particularly on Reddit, have begun speculating whether professional competition and family dynamics involving producer Boney Kapoor are responsible for the apparent distance.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Bollywood Journey So Far
Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of actor Sanjay Kapoor and Maheep Kapoor, officially stepped into Bollywood last year, following in the footsteps of cousins Sonam Kapoor, Arjun Kapoor, Janhvi Kapoor, and Khushi Kapoor. She made her debut with Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan (2025), starring opposite Vikrant Massey. The film marked a long-awaited launch after years of public anticipation and social media buzz.
Shanaya is now preparing for her second release, Tu Yaa Main, where she will be seen alongside Adarsh Gourav. The film has already generated curiosity, with several of her close friends from the industry—including Suhana Khan, Ananya Panday, and Khushi Kapoor—publicly cheering her on via social media.
The Missing Support That Sparked Speculation
What caught the internet’s attention, however, was the noticeable absence of public support from Janhvi Kapoor. While Janhvi has been active on social media, fans noticed that she did not comment on Shanaya’s recent promotional posts for Tu Yaa Main. This silence, though subtle, was enough for Reddit users to spin theories of a so-called “nepo cold war” between the cousins.
According to a Reddit thread that has since gained traction, tensions may stem from expectations surrounding Boney Kapoor, Janhvi’s father and a prominent Bollywood producer.
Reddit’s Theory: Family Expectations and Career Support
The Reddit user claims that Maheep Kapoor was upset with Boney Kapoor for not stepping in to help Shanaya kickstart her acting career during her initial struggles. This was reportedly before Shanaya’s debut film had materialised. The post alleges that Maheep even attempted to use the “family card” through her husband Sanjay Kapoor, but the effort did not yield results.
The thread states that Boney Kapoor was primarily focused on building his daughters’ careers—Janhvi and Khushi—leaving Shanaya to find her own way in the industry.
“Real Nepo Kids” Comment Adds Fuel to the Fire
The speculation grows darker with another claim from the same Reddit thread. The user alleges that Maheep Kapoor was deeply upset after a top filmmaker rejected Shanaya, allegedly stating they were only interested in working with “real nepo kids.” This remark reportedly intensified Maheep’s determination to ensure Shanaya’s success.
According to the post, this incident may have shifted the dynamic between the cousins—from cordial to quietly competitive. While there is no indication of open hostility, Reddit users suggest that professional rivalry may now be in play.
A History of Working Together
Interestingly, Shanaya and Janhvi once shared a professional connection. Before making her acting debut, Shanaya worked as an assistant director on Janhvi’s 2020 film Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl. At the time, their relationship appeared supportive and collaborative, making the current rumours even more intriguing for fans.
What’s Fact and What’s Speculation?
It’s important to note that none of these claims have been confirmed by the Kapoor family. Neither Janhvi Kapoor, Shanaya Kapoor, nor their parents have addressed the rumours publicly. As of now, the alleged cold war exists solely in online discussions and speculative threads.
In Bollywood, where perception often becomes reality, even silence can be interpreted in multiple ways. Whether this is a genuine family rift, a case of over-analysis by social media, or simply coincidental behaviour remains unclear.
Final Thoughts
The idea of a Janhvi-Shanaya cold war may be compelling gossip, but it remains unverified. As Shanaya Kapoor continues to establish herself with upcoming projects and Janhvi Kapoor moves forward with her own filmography, only time will tell whether these rumours fade away or gain further traction.
Until then, this remains another example of how star kids—especially women—are constantly scrutinised, not just for their work, but for their relationships behind the scenes.
