Shanaya Kapoor, daughter of Sanjay and Maheep Kapoor, is all set to headline Student of the Year 3, the next installment of Karan Johar’s iconic youth franchise. But this time, there’s a twist—SOTY 3 will be a six-episode web series instead of a theatrical release, and Shanaya will be seen in a double role, a first for the franchise.
Directed by debutant Reema Maya—who garnered acclaim for her 2023 short film Nocturnal Burger—the series will begin filming in Mumbai on April 20, 2025, and is scheduled to wrap within just over 30 days. The fast-paced shoot reflects Maya’s dynamic storytelling style, as the series aims to bring a fresh, edgy take to the SOTY universe.
The Student of the Year brand, previously known for launching major Bollywood stars like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, Ananya Panday, and Tara Sutaria, is now transitioning to OTT, with SOTY 3 set to stream on JioHotstar.
According to a report in Mid-Day, the project had been in development for the past six years. A source revealed, “Finally, Karan has given the green signal and the unit plans to begin filming it from April 20.” Another insider confirmed Shanaya’s dual role, which marks a bold new direction for the series.
Shanaya Kapoor’s Busy 2025–2026 Line-up
While SOTY 3 will mark Shanaya’s streaming debut, it will be her fourth project overall. Her debut film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, a romantic drama directed by Santosh Singh, has wrapped and is targeting a theatrical release soon. She also stars opposite Adarsh Gourav in the survival thriller Tu Yaa Main, which is slated for a Valentine’s Day 2026 release. Additionally, she’s working on an untitled project with Abhay Verma.
With a mix of romance, thrill, and now a double role in a cult franchise, Shanaya Kapoor is clearly being positioned as one of the most exciting new faces in the industry.
