Popular Punjabi actress and Bigg Boss 13 sensation Shehnaaz Gill has made a candid confession about her career struggles, revealing the true sentiment behind her recent statement about investing her own money. The actress, who recently appeared on Bigg Boss 19 to support her brother Shehbaz and promote her film, expressed deep frustration with the roles she is being offered.
The Real Reason Behind the 'Self-Investment' Remark
During a conversation with host Salman Khan on Bigg Boss, Shehnaaz had made a striking comment: "Mere upar koi paise nahi laga raha, toh maine khud par laga diye (No one is investing money on me, so I invested on myself)." In a new interview, she has clarified that this stemmed from her growing dissatisfaction with the quality of opportunities. Shehnaaz told interviewer Faridoon Shahryar that she feels reduced to a mere decorative element in projects.
"That statement came from the fact that I am not getting good stories, and I am being used as a prop in films," Shehnaaz explained. She added that she keeps encountering the same unoriginal narratives without strong messages. Despite receiving numerous offers, she felt that any financial investment in her should be justified by substantial content.
Rejecting Punjabi Films for Five Years
In a surprising revelation, Shehnaaz Gill shared that she has been consistently turning down Punjabi film offers for the past five years. The primary reason was the lack of fresh concepts and compelling stories. She was waiting for a project that would bet on her with a different and unique vision.
"I wanted to make a comeback in the Punjab industry in a different way, especially after returning after 3–4 years. I was waiting for that," she stated. This long hiatus from Punjabi cinema underscores her commitment to choosing roles that offer more than just screen presence.
Proving Herself Before Bollywood Leap
Shehnaaz Gill's decision to finally invest her own money into a Punjabi film is a strategic move to rebuild her artistic identity. She emphasized the importance of understanding scripts and the lasting impact of her work. For her, proving her mettle as a capable actor in her home industry is a crucial step before aiming for bigger Bollywood roles.
"I thought, why not do something in our own Punjabi industry where we can actually make a difference? Why are we just running behind Bollywood?" she questioned. Shehnaaz confirmed that while she is actively giving auditions for Bollywood projects, her immediate focus is on establishing her credibility as a performer. "I will work there someday, but first I want to prove myself," she asserted, highlighting her dedication to her craft.
This bold move from the actress signals a shift from being a passive recipient of roles to an active participant shaping her career trajectory, seeking meaningful work over mere visibility.