Actor Shehnaaz Gill says she is no longer interested in accepting film offers simply to be part of big productions. Instead, the actor is prioritizing characters that contribute meaningfully to the story, even if they come with less screen time.
In an exclusive interview with News18, Shehnaaz reflected on her journey after her Hindi film debut, her growing career in Punjabi cinema, and the kind of roles she hopes to pursue in the future.
Why Shehnaaz Is Focusing on Punjabi Cinema
After gaining nationwide popularity through Bigg Boss 13, Shehnaaz made her Bollywood debut in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, followed by Thank You For Coming. She later appeared in a special dance number in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, while another Hindi project featuring John Abraham and Riteish Deshmukh was shelved.
Speaking about her career choices, Shehnaaz said Punjabi cinema currently offers her more opportunities to play lead roles.
According to the actor, her popularity in the Punjabi film industry has helped her receive stronger and more substantial characters compared to many of the offers she receives elsewhere.
She also noted that the industry has comparatively fewer leading actresses, creating greater opportunities for performers like her.
Choosing Quality Over Quantity
Shehnaaz revealed that despite receiving numerous film offers over the past several years, she declined many because the characters lacked depth.
She explained that several scripts required little more than smiling and appearing in light-hearted scenes, something that no longer excites her as an actor.
Instead, she waited for projects that offered emotionally engaging performances, saying that Ishqnama became one of the scripts that genuinely interested her.
The actor emphasized that she wants audiences to remember her work for years to come, believing meaningful performances leave a lasting impact.
‘The Role Should Matter’
Discussing her expectations from Bollywood, Shehnaaz said she is not seeking to appear in every scene of a film.
What matters more, she explained, is whether the character plays an important role in moving the story forward.
She added that she would happily sign Hindi films if offered characters that carry emotional weight and influence the narrative rather than existing only for visual appeal.
Rejecting Glamour-Only Appearances
One of Shehnaaz’s clearest messages during the interview was her unwillingness to accept roles that focus solely on glamour.
She said she does not want to appear in films merely to feature in songs or serve as a decorative presence without contributing to the story.
According to the actor, she wants every role she accepts to have purpose and substance.
Her comments reflect a broader shift among many actors who are increasingly seeking performance-driven roles over conventional commercial appearances.
Radhika Apte Is Her Inspiration
When asked about the kind of career she hopes to build, Shehnaaz pointed to Radhika Apte as an actor she admires.
She praised Apte for being recognized primarily for her performances rather than glamorous image and said she hopes to establish herself in a similar way.
For Shehnaaz, the long-term goal is to be remembered as a skilled performer capable of taking on diverse and impactful characters.
Upcoming Projects
Shehnaaz will next be seen in Ishqnama, a project she says offered the kind of meaningful role she had been waiting for.
She also has Singh vs Kaur 2 in the pipeline, continuing her association with Punjabi cinema while remaining open to Hindi films that align with her creative vision.
A Career Guided by Purpose
As streaming platforms and evolving audience preferences continue to create space for performance-oriented storytelling, many actors are becoming more selective about the roles they accept.
Shehnaaz Gill’s latest comments suggest she is following that path—prioritizing characters with narrative significance over glamorous appearances and focusing on building a career defined by memorable performances rather than screen presence alone.
