Shehnaaz Gill Says Shelved Sajid Khan Film Was a Blessing; She Keeps Hope Alive

Shehnaaz Gill, who recently appeared in the Punjabi hit Singh vs Kaur 2 alongside Gippy Grewal, shared her thoughts on a high‑profile project that never came to fruition. The actress was announced as one of four leads in filmmaker Sajid Khan’s comeback venture, a film that was slated to star John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh and Nora Fatehi. Though the announcement generated buzz, the film was shelved after four years, leaving Gill without a new Hindi release.

When asked about the disappointment, Gill said she does not take setbacks too seriously. “I feel that when something doesn’t happen, it’s actually for the best because some things are better left unfinished,” she explained. She added that projects can change at any time, and that she prefers not to discuss unfinished work until it is complete. “I know people will ask why it didn’t happen, and I don’t want to break their expectations,” she said.

Gill also opened up about the challenges she has faced in the industry, particularly regarding unpaid work. She noted that receiving payment for one’s effort is crucial for respect and credibility. “If you don’t take your money, your work won’t be respected,” she said. She added that while many music videos have seen her work for free out of respect for colleagues, she now believes it is essential to say no when it comes to compensation, as it is about dignity as well as money.

Her last Hindi release was the 2023 film Thank You For Coming, after which she has focused on Punjabi cinema. Gill admitted that the roles she has taken in Hindi films have not been impactful, so she has chosen to be selective regardless of language. She said she will keep her options open and will choose projects that matter to her.

In Singh vs Kaur 2, Gill said she learned a great deal from Gippy Grewal, including an interest in directing. “People say I could be a good director, but to do so you need both leadership skills and talent,” she laughed. She added that she hopes to direct when she is 50‑60 years old, indicating a long‑term plan for the industry beyond acting.