India, Nov. 3 -- Shanaya Kapoor, who turned 26 yesterday, felt overwhelmed marking her first one as an actor. "One of my school friends reminded me of an old promise I made them: when my film comes out, I'll celebrate my birthday that year," she tells us, adding she's not one for lavish celebrations. "But I had a nice dinner with all my girls to celebrate this special year," she smiles. Speaking of her journey, Shanaya reflects on having learnt a lot about the industry even before her debut: "I started my journey as a 20-year-old, shot for a film and that got shelved... You can have a film today and tomorrow you can't. " She was supposed to debut in Karan Johar's Bedhadak, announced in 2022, but was later shelved. Her film, Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, was delayed before releasing this July. "These experiences taught me the industry is unpredictable. I don't take it for granted when I hold a script in my hand because I know how easily it can go. For me, it's been my biggest heartbreak. No boys are ever going to break my heart the way the movies did," she shares, adding, "These experiences have made me more grounded, more mature." After all this, she had to overcome the perceptions created about her: "People had these pre-conceived notions about me because they had seen me in fashion looks or going out to the gym... But they didn't see the true Shanaya... So, this birthday, I just gave myself love and a hug, and celebrated with my parents because I feel like they've also finally exhaled, too."...