Shehnaaz Gill Breaks Silence: “I Was Being Used as a Prop — So I Took Control of My Career”

The actor-singer reveals why she turned producer for Ikk Kudi, admitting she invested in herself after years of receiving superficial roles.

Shehnaaz Gill has opened up about a frustrating chapter of her career, revealing that most of the film offers she received made her feel like “a prop” rather than an actor. Known widely for her meteoric rise after Bigg Boss 13, Shehnaaz admitted that despite her popularity, the roles coming her way lacked depth, meaningful storytelling, or substantial screen presence.

Speaking about her now-viral statement — “Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha, toh maine khud par laga diye” — she explained that it was born out of years of waiting for a project that did justice to her talent. She said she felt sidelined in ensemble casts and reduced to glamour portions or cameo-like roles that added little value to the narrative.

In a recent interview, Shehnaaz shared that she had been approached for several projects over the last five years, including multiple Punjabi films, but she turned them down because they did not excite her creatively. She wanted challenging material and a story that allowed her to perform, not just appear.

Her dissatisfaction eventually led to a bold decision — producing her own film. Ikk Kudi, her latest Punjabi release, marks her debut as a producer. Shehnaaz not only stars in the film but also backed it financially under her own banner, demonstrating a new level of independence and confidence in her abilities.

She emphasized that regional cinema, especially Punjabi films, is thriving with strong scripts and passionate filmmakers. She no longer sees Bollywood as the only path to success, arguing that meaningful work and recognition can come from any industry that respects the artist.

To those who questioned her long absence from major film releases, Shehnaaz said she was not idle — she was learning. She spent time understanding scripts, production processes, and developing her skills so that when she finally returned, it would be with a project she truly believed in.

With Ikk Kudi, Shehnaaz hopes to redefine how the industry perceives her — not just as a popular face, but as a performer and creator charting her own path.