‘I Worked for Free, But Got No Respect’: Shehnaaz Gill Explains Why Fair Pay Is Now Non-Negotiable…

Actor Shehnaaz Gill has spoken candidly about one of the biggest lessons she has learned during her journey in the entertainment industry never undervalue your work. The actor revealed that while she accepted projects without charging a fee in the early stages of her career, the experience taught her that working for free did not necessarily earn her appreciation or respect.

In a recent interview, Shehnaaz said that fair remuneration has now become a key factor when deciding whether to sign a project, although she still prioritises meaningful stories over money alone.

‘Money Gives You Respect,’ Says Shehnaaz

Speaking about the importance of financial independence and professional recognition, Shehnaaz shared that compensation reflects the value placed on an artist’s work.“Money is very important. It gives you respect. I ask for what I deserve today. Sometimes I get it, sometimes I don’t, and sometimes I receive less than what I quote. But everyone should fight for what is rightfully theirs,” she said.

She added that reaching her current position in the industry required years of hard work and perseverance, making it important for her to stand up for fair compensation.

Past Experiences Changed Her Perspective

Looking back at the early days of her career, Shehnaaz admitted that she often agreed to work without payment, hoping it would open doors or strengthen professional relationships.

However, she believes the outcome was different from what she expected.“There was a time when I did a lot of work for free. But I didn’t get the respect I expected. I did so much for so many people, but that didn’t always translate into appreciation,” she revealed.

Those experiences, she said, have made her more confident about negotiating the remuneration she deserves.

Quality Still Matters More Than Money

Despite placing greater importance on fair pay today, Shehnaaz clarified that she has never accepted a project solely for financial reasons.

ALSO READ : ‘Telugu Cinema Is My First Priority’: Ritika Nayak Opens Up on ‘Korean Kanakaraju’, Career Choices and Why She Waits for the Right Scripts…

She explained that she is still willing to make compromises if a script genuinely excites her or offers meaningful storytelling.

According to the actor, she has never sacrificed the quality of her work simply to earn a bigger paycheck.

From Punjabi Entertainment to Bollywood Recognition

Shehnaaz Gill first gained popularity in the Punjabi entertainment industry before becoming a household name through Bigg Boss 13, where her personality and bond with the late Sidharth Shukla won millions of fans.

She later made her Bollywood debut in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, starring alongside Salman Khan, Pooja Hegde, Venkatesh Daggubati, and Bhumika Chawla.

She also appeared in Thank You For Coming, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2023, further expanding her presence in Hindi cinema.

Most recently, Shehnaaz featured in Ishqnama and appeared in the music video Sajna Ve Sajna from the film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video.

A Message About Self-Worth

Beyond discussing her own career, Shehnaaz’s comments serve as a reminder about recognising one’s professional worth.

By openly speaking about negotiating fair compensation, she highlighted that success isn’t just about landing projects—it’s also about ensuring that dedication, talent, and hard work receive the respect they deserve.

As Shehnaaz continues to build her career across films and music, her focus remains clear: choosing meaningful work while standing firm on the value of her contribution.