Shehnaaz Gill Says She Was Being Used As A ‘Prop’ In Bollywood Films: ‘I Am Not Getting Good Stories’ | Bollywood News
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Shehnaaz Gill opened up about her decision to turn producer, saying she wasn’t being offered meaningful roles in Bollywood and wanted to prove herself through Punjabi cinema.
Shehnaaz Gill was last seen in Ikk Kudi. (Photo Credit: Instagram)
Actress and singer Shehnaaz Gill became a household name after her stint in the Salman Khan-hosted reality show, Bigg Boss 13. After gaining nationwide recognition, she appeared in Bollywood films like Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Thank You For Coming, but failed to earn the stardom she expected.
So, the actress decided to turn producer with the Punjabi film Ikk Kudi and prove her mettle in a lead role.
During her recent appearance on Bigg Boss 19, Shehnaaz had told Salman Khan, “Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha, toh maine khud par laga diye.” Now, in a new conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, she elaborated on what led her to invest in her own project.
‘I Was Being Used as a Prop’
Shehnaaz revealed she wasn’t receiving strong or meaningful roles in Bollywood. “I am not getting good stories, and I am being used as a prop in films,” she said, adding, “I was seeing the same kind of stories with nothing unique and no strong message. I was getting many offers, but I feel putting money on me should be worthwhile.”
The actress also shared that she had been offered Punjabi films for the last five years, but she was waiting for the right concept, something that would mark her return to the Punjabi industry in a different way after a gap of 3–4 years.
Shehnaaz Gill On Getting Criticised
Reflecting on her journey, Shehnaaz added that the years she spent away from Punjabi films were crucial. She said, “A lot of people told me I wasted time. I don’t think so. That time I was learning, and that was very important. It’s crucial to understand scripts and films. I just didn’t want to do anything for the sake of it, because these things stay. I have experienced that and saw that people didn’t enjoy it; they wanted to see more of Shehnaaz.”
The actress emphasised that audiences expect impactful performances, even in brief roles, something she felt was missing in her Bollywood roles.
“I believe that if you are seen on screen even for two minutes, it should be impactful, but that wasn’t happening. I thought, why not do something in our own Punjabi industry where we can actually make a difference? Why are we just running behind Bollywood? I will work there someday, but first I want to prove myself. I am giving auditions for Bollywood, doing the best I can, but first proving myself as an actor was very important, and I am glad people are seeing that now,” she stated.
“Punjabi Industry Is Next Level”
Shehnaaz also praised Punjabi cinema, pointing out its influence on Bollywood. “The Punjabi industry is huge. Bollywood films don’t work until they put a Punjabi song in them,” she said.
The Bigg Boss 13 fame added, “Our industry is so big that they use those songs and dance to them too. The Punjabi industry is next level. They are doing well with films too. A lot of money and effort is being put into movies, so I hope the audience watches and gives us feedback so that we can grow.”
Shehnaaz Gill’s Last Project
The actress was last seen in Ikk Kudi, her first project as a producer. Directed by Amarjit Singh Saron, the film follows the story of a confident woman determined to navigate the societal challenges and find the perfect life partner. When she finally finds the one, the film shows how her character decides to do a thorough background check to guarantee there are no secrets.
This decision sets off a string of humorous events and surprising revelations. Besides Shehnaaz in the lead role, the film also featured Gurjazz, Juss, Nirmal Rishi, Gurdial Paras, Sukhi Chahal, Harby Sangha, Neha Dayal, Udaybir Sandhu, Gurinder Makna, Balwinder Bullet, Nikita Grover and Jass Dhillon.
In Bollywood, Shehnaaz last appeared in a special dance number in Rajkumaar Rao and Triptii
Dimri’s Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.
What Is In Shehnaaz Gill’s Pipeline?
Up next, she will star in Sab First Class. While the makers are yet to announce an official release date, the upcoming film will see her sharing the screen space with Varun Sharma.
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