Shehnaaz Gill says she now demands the pay she deserves after feeling undervalued early in her career

Shehnaaz Gill has spoken candidly about how her approach to work and remuneration has changed over the years. The actor-singer, who rose to nationwide fame after Bigg Boss 13, says she no longer hesitates to ask for fair compensation, having learned from experiences where she felt her efforts were not valued.

From being one of the least-paid contestants on reality television to becoming one of the entertainment industry’s most sought-after personalities, Shehnaaz says the journey has taught her the importance of recognising her own worth.

Shehnaaz Gill says financial recognition matters

Reflecting on her career, Shehnaaz explained that financial compensation is closely linked to professional respect. She believes every artist should confidently ask for what they deserve instead of settling for less.

According to the actor, she now negotiates her fees based on the value she brings to a project. While she sometimes receives the amount she expects, there are occasions when producers offer less. Even then, she believes standing up for fair compensation is an important part of building a sustainable career.

Shehnaaz also noted that reaching her current position has required years of hard work, persistence and personal growth.

Early career lessons shaped her outlook

Looking back, Shehnaaz admitted that there was a phase when she accepted projects without focusing on payment. However, she feels those decisions did not always earn her the appreciation or respect she had hoped for.

Those experiences changed the way she approaches professional commitments today. She says she now evaluates every opportunity more carefully and is willing to compromise on remuneration only when a film genuinely excites her from a creative standpoint.

For her, meaningful cinema remains a priority, while other professional opportunities such as brand endorsements and public appearances provide additional earning avenues.

Choosing roles over glamour

Despite placing importance on fair pay, Shehnaaz says she does not allow money to become the deciding factor when selecting films. Instead, she looks for projects where her character has purpose and contributes to the story.

She emphasised that she has no interest in appearing in films merely for glamour or decorative screen presence. Instead, she prefers roles that allow her to perform and connect with audiences.

One skill she still wants to develop

While discussing her career, Shehnaaz admitted there is one quality she would like to improve. She believes some people possess a natural ability to convince filmmakers to cast them, and she hopes to develop that confidence herself.

Even so, she remains focused on letting her work speak for itself rather than chasing opportunities that do not align with her artistic goals.

From reality television to films

Shehnaaz Gill became a household name through Bigg Boss 13, where her personality and on-screen bond with late actor Sidharth Shukla earned widespread popularity.

Following the show’s success, she transitioned into films, making her Bollywood debut with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan before appearing in Thank You for Coming. Alongside Hindi cinema, she continues to work in Punjabi films while expanding her presence through music videos, brand collaborations and digital content.