Shehnaaz Gill opens up about being treated as a ‘prop’ in Hindi films: ‘Why are we just running behind Bollywood?’

In a recent interview, Shehnaaz Gill opened up about her struggles in Bollywood and revealed why she decided to turn film producer.

Shehnaaz Gill on challenges in Bollywood

Shehnaaz Gill on facing challenges in Bollywood. (Photo: Shehnaaz Gill/ Instagram)

Punjabi actress-singer Shehnaaz Gill gained immense popularity after participating in Bigg Boss 13 in 2019. Following her stint as a finalist on the Salman Khan-hosted reality show, her acting career in Bollywood took off, with roles in films such as Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Thank You For Coming. This year, Shehnaaz also stepped into film production. During her recent appearance on Bigg Boss 19 to promote her maiden production Ikk Kudi, Shehnaaz told Salman Khan on stage, ‘Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha, toh maine khud par laga diye.’ Now, in a conversation with Faridoon Shahryar, she has explained why she made that statement.

Shehnaaz explained how she wasn’t receiving great offers in Bollywood. She said, “That statement came from the fact that 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. I was getting a lot of offers, but I feel putting that money on me should be worthwhile. I have been offered Punjabi films for the last five years, but I wasn’t doing them. 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 when I was returning after 3-4 years. I was waiting for that.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shehnaaz Gill (@shehnaazgill)

Also Read: Shehbaz Badesha on dealing with ‘behen ki kamaai ke palnewala’ tag: ‘Shehnaaz ki kamai khaate rahunga’

She added, “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. And 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.”

Also Read | Shehnaaz Gill says Sidharth Shukla’s death made her mature; reveals what she wants in a partner: ‘I won’t marry a Punjabi’

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shehnaaz Gill (@shehnaazgill)

Shehnaaz Gill also pointed out how Bollywood films cannot do without Punjabi songs. Praising the Punjabi industry, the actress added, “The Punjabi industry is huge, Bollywood films don’t work until they put a Punjabi song in it. Our industry is so big that they have to use those songs and dance on 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 film Ikk Kudi released on October 31 in theaters. The film also went on to become a hit. In Bollywood, Shehnaaz was last seen in a special appearance in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video. She has Sab First Class in the pipeline.

Click here to follow Screen Digital on YouTube and stay updated with the latest from the world of cinema.