Shehnaaz Gill Gets Real: "I Was Just a Prop in Films, Now I’m Producing My Own Story"

Shehnaaz Gill, who rose to nationwide stardom after Bigg Boss 13, has opened up about the struggles and frustrations shaping her journey in the entertainment industry. In a candid conversation, the actress revealed that she has repeatedly been used as a “prop” in films and is not receiving scripts that justify her potential. Her honest confession sheds light on the challenges faced by rising actors who struggle to secure meaningful roles despite a strong fanbase.

Recently seen on Bigg Boss 19, Shehnaaz told host Salman Khan, “Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha, toh maine khud par laga diye”—a statement that quickly went viral. In a new interview with Faridoon Shahryar, she clarified that this remark reflected her disappointment with repetitive and uninspiring film offers. According to Shehnaaz, she has been receiving numerous projects but none with unique concepts, strong messages or standout characters. She explained that unless a film truly invests in her talent, she doesn’t see the point in saying yes.

Shehnaaz further revealed that she has been approached for Punjabi films continuously for the last five years but turned them down because they lacked originality. After a gap of nearly 3–4 years from the Punjabi industry, she hoped for a powerful comeback with a fresh narrative. She emphasised that she waited intentionally, wanting producers to trust her with concepts that would challenge her and let her shine. Her decision, however, attracted criticism from people who believed she was wasting opportunities.

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Addressing criticism, Shehnaaz shared that many advised her against being selective, but she believed in learning and growing before rushing into projects. She stressed that even a two-minute role should leave an impact, something she felt her recent appearances failed to deliver. Noting that audiences expect more from her, she said she didn’t want to take on roles that offered screen time without significance. For her, understanding scripts deeply and being part of valuable storytelling was essential.

Shehnaaz also explained her desire to contribute meaningfully to Punjabi Cinema instead of chasing Bollywood blindly. While she is actively auditioning for Hindi films, she feels it is more important to first prove herself as a strong actor in her home industry. Her renewed focus on Punjabi films marks both a personal and creative turning point, as she now aims to make choices that reflect her growth and aspirations.

The actress was last seen in the Punjabi film Ikk Kudi, directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, featuring Nirmal Rishi, Harby Sangha and Udaybir Sandhu. The project is especially significant as it marks Shehnaaz Gill’s debut as a producer under her own banner, Shehnaaz Gill Production—an empowering step that aligns perfectly with her newfound determination to shape her own cinematic journey.

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