Shehnaaz Gill has opened up about one of the toughest lessons she has learned since entering the entertainment industry. The actor revealed that there was a phase in her career when she accepted projects without charging any fee, believing the opportunities would eventually translate into recognition and goodwill. Looking back now, she says that experience changed her perspective completely, making fair remuneration an essential part of every professional decision she makes today.
While Shehnaaz insists that she continues to value good storytelling above everything else, she believes actors should never hesitate to ask for what they deserve. Her candid comments offer a glimpse into the challenges performers often face while trying to balance meaningful work with professional recognition.
Shehnaaz Gill Says Fair Pay Brings Respect
In a recent interview with News18, Shehnaaz spoke openly about how her approach to choosing projects has evolved over the years. She explained that financial compensation is no longer just about earnings but also about being valued for the effort and dedication she brings to her work.
“Money is very important. It gives you respect. When I ask for what I deserve today, I sometimes get that, sometimes I don’t and sometimes it’s lesser than what I quote for myself. But har kisi ko apne haq ke liye ladna chahiye (Everyone should fight for one’s own right). I work really hard and I’ve been through a lot to reach the place that I’m in today.”
The actor added that negotiating fees has become part of her journey, even if it doesn’t always end with the outcome she hopes for. Despite those challenges, she believes standing up for one’s worth is something every professional should do, regardless of the industry they work in.
Her remarks come shortly after the release of Ishqnama, as she continues to expand her presence in Hindi cinema following her successful transition from television and Punjabi entertainment.
She No Longer Believes In Working Without Payment
Reflecting on the early stages of her career, Shehnaaz admitted that she often agreed to work without charging producers or filmmakers. However, she now feels those decisions failed to earn the appreciation or respect she expected.
“Yes, there was a time when I did a lot of work for free. But uski mujhe izzat nahi mili. Maine logo ke liye itna kuch kiya hai (I didn’t get any respect for that. I did so much for so many people). But now, I do fight for what I deserve. I compromise only on ocassions when the film that I’ve been offered is really good… Sometimes, you know that they won’t pay you well but you still get into it knowing that the script is meaningful. But if you ask me if I’ve ever done a project just for money by compromising on the quality of the work, I’ll have to tell you that I’ve never done that.”
Although remuneration is now a non-negotiable consideration, Shehnaaz clarified that she is still willing to accept lower pay if a project genuinely excites her creatively. For her, the quality of the script remains a deciding factor, and she insists she has never accepted a role solely for financial reasons while compromising on the work itself.
Her comments highlight a balancing act many actors face in the film industry, where artistic satisfaction and commercial value do not always align. By speaking openly about pay negotiations, Shehnaaz has also joined a growing number of performers advocating for fair compensation and greater professional respect.
From Bigg Boss Fame To A Growing Film Career
Shehnaaz Gill first became a familiar face through the Punjabi entertainment industry before achieving nationwide popularity with Bigg Boss 13. Her appearance on the reality show and her close bond with the late Sidharth Shukla made her one of the season’s most talked-about contestants, helping her build a loyal fan following that continues to support her today.
She made her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, sharing screen space with Pooja Hegde, Venkatesh Daggubati and Bhumika Chawla. She later appeared in Thank You For Coming, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2023 and featured Bhumi Pednekar, Dolly Singh, Kusha Kapila and Shibani Bedi.
Beyond films, Shehnaaz has remained active across music videos and digital content. She featured in Sajna Ve Sajna from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and was also seen in Ikk Kudi, continuing to build a diverse portfolio while gradually establishing herself in Bollywood.
With her latest comments, Shehnaaz has made it clear that her priorities have shifted since the beginning of her career. While meaningful stories will always attract her, she now believes professional respect starts with recognising an artist’s worth, both creatively and financially.
