After making her big Bollywood entry with Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and following it up with Thank You For Coming in 2023, Shehnaaz Gill has been noticeably missing from Hindi films. The actress has now addressed the reason behind the slowdown in Bollywood offers and why she is choosing to focus more on Punjabi cinema.
In a candid chat with News18, the Bigg Boss 13 star explained that the decision was not about a lack of Hindi offers, but about where she gets more recognition and meatier characters.
“In Punjabi films, I have a lot more options as an actor,” Shehnaaz said. “I’m not saying Bollywood isn’t offering me work. But the truth is, I’ve become a star in the Punjabi industry. As they say, log chhadte suraj ko salaam karte hai – people tend to follow whoever is shining.”
She pointed out that this is how every film industry works. “When you’re popular, people want to cast you. I’m beautiful and I’m also a good actor. In Punjabi films I’m getting lead roles, and the competition is also less because there are very few female actors there.”
The actress also spoke about being choosy even within Punjabi cinema. Despite getting offers for the last 5-6 years, most scripts didn’t excite her.
“For a long time, the offers I got were very surface-level,” she revealed. “I didn’t have to do much – just smile, laugh, and look pretty. That’s not what I want. I’m looking for good, meaningful work where I can actually perform.”
Shehnaaz said she finally found that with her upcoming Punjabi film Ishqnama, which gave her the kind of role she had been waiting for.
With Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Thank You For Coming, Shehnaaz made her Hindi film debut in 2023. But now, she seems to be carving a stronger space for herself back home in Punjabi films, where she feels more valued as a lead actor.
