‘I’m More Than Just Bubbly’: Shehnaaz Gill Opens Up on Ishqnama, Ikk Kudi and the New Chapter of Her Career

Actor and singer Shehnaaz Gill says she is determined to move beyond the cheerful image that made her a household name after Bigg Boss 13. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming Punjabi film Ishqnama, the actress believes audiences are finally beginning to see a different side of her acting abilities.

Having already made her Bollywood debut with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and followed it with Thank You for Coming, Shehnaaz recently added another milestone to her career by becoming a producer with the women-centric Punjabi film Ikk Kudi, in which she also played the lead role.

‘Ikk Kudi’ And ‘Ishqnama’ Taught Me Different Lessons

Reflecting on her recent projects, Shehnaaz said producing Ikk Kudi completely changed the way she looks at filmmaking.

She described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, adding that the film’s positive response from audiences strengthened her belief that honest storytelling always finds its audience.

Talking about Ishqnama, she revealed that the film, inspired by real-life events and set against the backdrop of India and Pakistan, demanded a far more emotionally intense performance.

According to the actress, the role pushed her beyond her comfort zone and helped her grow significantly as a performer.

‘People Have Only Seen One Side Of Me’

One of the biggest misconceptions about her, Shehnaaz believes, is that she can only portray cheerful and bubbly characters.

She admitted that while people often associate her with her lively personality, there is much greater emotional depth that she hopes to showcase through future performances.

Her biggest wish, she said, is that audiences stop seeing “Shehnaaz Gill” on screen and instead believe completely in the characters she portrays.

Staying Grounded Despite Success

Despite her growing popularity, Shehnaaz insists she has remained connected to her roots.

The Punjab-born actress said she often reflects on her struggles and believes success should never lead to arrogance. Living independently and working hard has also taught her the importance of responsibility—not just towards herself but towards her family.

She credits her upbringing and life experiences for keeping her humble even as her career continues to grow.

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Family Is Her Biggest Strength

Shehnaaz shared that during difficult phases of life, she turns to her brother Shehbaz Badesha for emotional support.

Whether it’s travelling together, going out for a meal or simply spending time with loved ones, she believes these small moments help her overcome challenging situations.

The actress added that life naturally comes with happy and difficult phases, and accepting that reality gives her the strength to move forward.

Her Grandfather Remains Her Greatest Inspiration

Among the people who have influenced her the most, Shehnaaz named her grandfather as her biggest inspiration.

Watching him work tirelessly throughout his life taught her that success never comes through shortcuts but through dedication, honesty and consistent hard work.

Those values, she said, continue to guide her both personally and professionally.

What’s Next For Shehnaaz Gill?

Following Ishqnama, Shehnaaz will be seen in Singh vs Kaur 2, another Punjabi film scheduled for release shortly afterwards.

While she remains committed to Punjabi cinema, the actress also expressed her desire to take on more Hindi films in the coming years.

For now, she says her entire focus is on becoming a better actor, exploring diverse characters and proving that she has much more to offer than the bubbly image audiences first fell in love with.