Parul Gulati opens up on playing Shanaya Kapoor’s manager in ‘Tu Yaa Main’: 'She’s the emotional anchor of the film'

Actor-entrepreneur Parul Gulati, who essays the role of Laira in ‘Tu Yaa Main’, has opened up about portraying Shanaya Kapoor’s manager in the upcoming survival thriller. Contrary to expectations, Gulati stresses that her character goes far beyond the usual supporting arc and plays a deeply emotional role in the narrative.Coming fresh off the release of ‘Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon 2’ (2025), Parul is now preparing for her next big-screen outing. In ‘Tu Yaa Main’, which stars Adarsh Gourav and Shanaya Kapoor as social media influencers, she plays Laira, someone who manages Shanaya’s career while also being her closest confidante. “Laira is Shanaya’s friend and her manager. She stands by her strongly, questions her choices when needed, and supports her unconditionally. What drew me in was the fact that she isn’t just there on the sidelines, she’s the emotional anchor of the film,” Parul shared with Mid-Day. Directed by Bejoy Nambiar and presented by Aanand L Rai, ‘Tu Yaa Main’ follows two content creators whose quest to shoot a daring video spirals into a fight for survival. For Parul, the film’s raw premise and the opportunity to be part of Aanand L Rai’s cinematic universe were major reasons to say yes. “Aanand L Rai’s world is incredibly theatrical and emotionally charged. I genuinely keep pinching myself because opportunities like this feel rare, being part of a film that’s larger than life yet filled with so much heart,” she says.Reflecting on the broader significance of this project, Gulati emphasized the rarity of such an opportunity. “From an actor’s perspective and as someone passionate about meaningful storytelling, this collaboration represents everything I could have hoped for professionally. Anand L Rai’s cinematic universe is so distinctly theatrical, intricately layered, and profoundly emotional, the exact kind of filmmaking I’ve long admired and yearned to be part of. I find myself constantly amazed because landing a role in such a visionary, grand-scale film that simultaneously possesses genuine emotional depth feels like a once-in-a-lifetime chance.” Beyond 'Tu Yaa Main,' Gulati has an expanding slate of projects. She will appear in 'Donali,' an upcoming series helmed by director E Niwas, alongside actors Divyendu and Barun Sobti. The ensemble cast also includes Chunky Pandey and Yashpal Sharma. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Chambal during the 1960s, the series was filmed throughout Madhya Pradesh.Gulati’s career spans television, film, and entrepreneurship. She has appeared in productions including 'P.O.W. - Bandi Yuddh Ke,' 'Selection Day,' and 'Girls Hostel.' As a model and television personality, she made her small-screen debut in the serial 'Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kum,' where she played Bittan, the younger sister of a character portrayed by Bollywood actress Yami Gautam. Additionally, Gulati is also the CEO and founder of her own hair extensions brand.