MUMBAI: Actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill has opened up about the challenges she faced in Bollywood, revealing that she often felt she was being “used as a prop” in films. The Bigg Boss 13 finalist, who has since appeared in Hindi films such as Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Thank You For Coming, recently promoted her debut Punjabi film Ikk Kudi. While on the stage of Bigg Boss 19, she had remarked, “Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha toh maine khud par laga diye.”
In a recent conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, Shehnaaz explained the context behind her statement and shared why she decided to take a step back from Bollywood to focus on Punjabi cinema instead.
‘I was not getting good stories in Bollywood’
Shehnaaz said her bold remark stemmed from a deeper concern about the lack of meaningful roles offered to her. According to the actor, though she received several film offers, most did not excite her creatively. She said she felt sidelined in many projects: “I am not getting good stories, and I am being used as a prop in films. I am seeing the same kind of stories; there is nothing unique, and they have no great messages.”
Shehnaaz further revealed that while she was receiving Punjabi film offers for nearly five years, she waited deliberately. “I wanted someone to bet on me with a different concept. I wanted to make a comeback in the Punjab industry in a different way, especially after returning post 3–4 years.”
‘People said I wasted time, but I was learning’
Discussing her time in Bollywood, Shehnaaz said many people claimed that she “wasted time” by not doing enough films. She disagreed, stating that this period was essential for her growth.
“That time I was learning. It’s crucial to understand scripts and films. I didn’t want to do anything for the sake of it, because these things stay. People didn’t enjoy seeing me in blink-and-miss roles; they wanted to see more of Shehnaaz,” she said.
She realised the importance of impactful screen presence. “Even if you are seen for two minutes, it should be impactful. But that wasn’t happening,” she added.
‘I want to prove myself first’
Shehnaaz said that her decision to focus on Punjabi cinema came from a desire to create meaningful content and establish her identity as an actor.
“I thought, why not do something in our own Punjabi industry where we can actually make a difference? Why are we running behind Bollywood? I will work there someday, but first, I want to prove myself,” she said.
The actor revealed that she continues to audition for Bollywood roles while investing her energy into Punjabi projects where she feels she has more freedom and room to shine.
‘Bollywood depends on Punjabi music’
Shehnaaz also commented on the influence of Punjabi music and culture in mainstream Hindi films. She said the Punjabi industry has grown significantly and now plays a crucial role in Bollywood’s success.
“Bollywood films don’t work unless they have a Punjabi song. Our industry is so enormous that they have to use such songs and dance to them,” she said, adding that Punjabi cinema has “advanced to the next level” in recent years.
She praised the increasing budgets and larger creative visions in Punjabi films, saying she hopes audiences continue to support the industry. “A lot of money and effort is being invested in movies, so I hope the audience watches and provides input so that we can improve.”
Conclusion
Shehnaaz Gill’s candid reflections shed light on her journey from reality TV fame to navigating the complexities of Bollywood. With her renewed focus on Punjabi cinema and her first film as a producer, she aims to carve a space where she can assert her creative choices and deliver impactful performances. Her return marks not just a career shift, but a personal declaration of artistic independence.