Shehnaaz Gill, the Punjabi powerhouse who captured hearts as a finalist on Bigg Boss 13 in 2019, has built a thriving career across music, TV, and film. Yet, in a raw and revealing interview with Faridoon Shahryar on December 3, 2025, the 32-year-old actress laid bare her frustrations with Bollywood, admitting she felt “used as a prop” in several projects. “I was not getting good stories, and I was being used as a prop in films,” she confessed, explaining how repetitive, uninspiring scripts reduced her to a decorative element rather than a driving force. The candid admission, stemming from her recent stint promoting Ikk Kudi on Bigg Boss 19, has struck a chord, highlighting the challenges faced by outsiders navigating the glamour of the Hindi film industry and its grit.
The Bollywood Bind: Glamour Without Substance
Gill’s Bollywood journey kicked off promisingly with her debut in Salman Khan’s Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023), followed by a supporting role in Thank You for Coming (2023). But behind the spotlight, she encountered typecasting and superficial opportunities. “People didn’t enjoy it; they wanted more of Shehnaaz. If you’re on screen even for two minutes, it should be impactful, but that wasn’t happening,” she shared, voicing the disappointment of delivering lines that felt like filler. Gill, who invested her money in the Punjabi rom-com Ikk Kudi as her production debut under Shehnaaz Gill Productions, emphasized her shift back to roots: “Why are we just running behind Bollywood? The Punjabi industry is huge—Bollywood films don’t work without our songs.” Her words echo a broader sentiment among regional talents who feel undervalued in Hindi cinema.
From Sidelined to Self-Made: Gill’s Bold Pivot
Gill’s frustration isn’t new; she has previously spoken about feeling “cut off” by the Punjabi industry post-Bigg Boss, only to reclaim her space with hits like Honsla Rakh (2021). Now, by turning producer, she’s taking control. “I thought, why not do something in our own industry where we can make a difference?” she said, crediting the success of Ikk Kudi—directed by Amarjit Singh Saron—for proving her mettle. “I am giving auditions for Bollywood, doing my best, but first proving myself as an actor was important.” This self-reliance represents a pivotal moment, as Gill strikes a balance between her Hindi aspirations and her Punjabi pride, refusing to let fleeting roles define her.
A Prop No More: Gill’s Grounded Glow-Up
Shehnaaz Gill’s Bollywood blues aren’t bitterness—it’s breakthrough. As she invests in her narrative, it thunders: Can sidelined stars seize the script? Her self-made surge affirms yes, scripting a saga where authenticity trumps allure in cinema’s ceaseless climb.
-By Manoj H