Over the years, Shehnaaz Gill has navigated different phases of her career, moving between the Punjabi and Hindi film industries. With her recent film, Singh vs Kaur 2, she returns to Punjabi cinema alongside Gippy Grewal, playing a character that required her to learn Bengali. The actress describes the experience as enjoyable, particularly because the role allowed her to explore different shades.
The cast had teachers to help them with the Bengali dialogue. She explains, “I would imagine the dialogue in Hindi or Punjabi and then deliver them in Bengali.” She often found herself laughing at her own performance, but the language was never merely an added challenge. She knew why her character was speaking Bengali, and that made the process more engaging. “My character is not just Bengali; she has a lot of different shades. Once you watch the film, you will understand why she is a Bengali girl in the story,” she smiles.
She describes Grewal as caring and protective, someone who looks after the people around him. Having directed several films himself, he understands the workings of the industry and knows how to approach a project. Gill also appreciates his ability to make people feel welcome, calling him a good host.
Her decision to sign the film was driven by both nostalgia and the script. When the first Singh vs Kaur released, she was in her first year of college and thoroughly enjoyed it. Having stayed away from the Punjabi film industry for five years, she was excited when the sequel came her way. The story offered plenty to explore, with action, emotion and several things unfolding throughout the film.
Having worked in both Hindi and Punjabi cinema, Gill does not believe the two industries are vastly different. The work, she observes, is essentially the same, although the processes can vary. One difference she points out is that Punjabi films sometimes go on floors without a bound script. She enjoys having a script in hand, as it makes the process more engaging, but she is equally open to spontaneity. Changes on the set, she notes, can be interesting when writers adjust scenes or improvise. Both industries, she maintains, have their own charm.
Her career has taken her from modelling and music videos to Bigg Boss, films, shows and even film production. Yet Gill does not believe the struggle becomes easier with success. If anything, she feels the challenges grow as one progresses. “The more you work, the more you grow and the bigger the challenges become,” she reflects.
At present, her biggest responsibility is her family, which consists of her parents, her brother and grand parents. Gill speaks candidly about having to take on a role traditionally associated with a father in the household, looking after everyone’s needs, saving for the future and ensuring that her grandparents are cared for. Despite the weight of these responsibilities, she does not regard them as a burden. “The burden I have been given is a beautiful one,” she says.
The Shehnaaz of today, she acknowledges, is different from the young woman who first arrived in the industry. Back then, she was more childish. Moving to Mumbai exposed her to new experiences, people and ways of looking at life.
When asked about her support system in the industry, Gill’s response is unequivocal. “No one is my support system. I feel that whatever I have achieved, I have done on my own. No one is going to support me,” she asserts. She believes that people must make their own choices and accept responsibility for the consequences. While she recognises that those who receive support are fortunate, she says she has had to navigate her journey independently. It is not always easy, but she is determined to keep moving forward for as long as she has the strength to work.
Her understanding of courage is similarly rooted in personal responsibility. Life continues regardless of one’s circumstances, she observes, and allowing difficult experiences to consume one’s mind and body can have devastating consequences. For Gill, the key is learning to live for oneself, continue working and acknowledge the responsibilities one carries.
She offers a particularly stark assessment of the relationship between financial independence and family dynamics. “Even your family will stand by you only as long as you are earning. Your parents will respect you only when you are earning. Isn’t that true?” she asks.
Professionally, there is one filmmaker with whom Gill particularly hopes to collaborate: Imtiaz Ali. Working with him remains a dream, she reveals, regardless of whether it eventually materialises. However, she is equally keen to work with other directors, including those in the Punjabi film industry. Ultimately, she wants to collaborate with filmmakers who have something worthwhile to offer.
Gill also explains why she once compared her friend, actor Raghav Juyal, to Shah Rukh Khan. It was their struggles that prompted the comparison, rather than any superficial similarity. She draws a parallel between their journeys, pointing out that Khan took on villainous roles early in his career and worked hard to reach the position he occupies today, without an established godfather guiding him through the industry.
As for what lies ahead, Gill reveals that she has completed three Punjabi projects back-to-back and has work lined up in both the Hindi and the Punjabi film industries. However, she prefers to keep details under wraps until the projects are officially announced or filming begins. For now, she is focused on continuing to work, taking on meaningful roles and meeting the responsibilities she has chosen to shoulder.
Also Read: Photos: Aryan Khan Makes Rare Appearance at Raghav Juyal’s Birthday, Shehnaaz Gill Steals Attention
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: filmfare.com
