Actor Shehnaaz Gill has opened up about one of the biggest lessons she has learned during her journey in the entertainment industry. In a candid interview, the actress revealed that there was a time when she accepted projects without charging any money, hoping that her hard work would earn her respect. However, she now believes that fair payment is just as important as appreciation.
‘Money Brings Respect,’ Says Shehnaaz
Speaking about her career, Shehnaaz admitted that financial compensation has become an important factor while choosing projects.
She shared that she now fights for the remuneration she deserves and believes every artist should stand up for their worth. According to the actress, reaching her current position has taken years of hard work and personal struggles, making it important for her to value both her talent and her time.
She explained that while producers sometimes agree to her fee and sometimes negotiate a lower amount, she no longer hesitates to ask for what she believes she has earned.
‘I Worked for Free, But It Didn’t Earn Me Respect’
Looking back at the early days of her career, Shehnaaz revealed that she often worked on projects without taking any payment. She believed that doing so would help build relationships and create opportunities.
However, the experience taught her a different lesson.
“I worked for free, but I didn’t receive the respect I expected. I did so much for people, but it didn’t make a difference,” she said.
The actress added that this realization changed her perspective completely. Today, she believes artists should never hesitate to demand fair compensation for their work.
Scripts Still Matter More Than Money
Despite placing importance on fair pay, Shehnaaz clarified that money is not the only factor that influences her decisions.
She admitted that she is still willing to compromise on her fee if a film offers a powerful story or a meaningful role. For her, a strong script can sometimes be more valuable than a bigger paycheck.
At the same time, she stressed that she has never accepted a project solely for financial gain if she did not believe in the content.
From Reality TV Star to Bollywood Actress
Shehnaaz Gill first became a household name through the Punjabi entertainment industry before gaining nationwide popularity with Bigg Boss 13. Her bond with the late Sidharth Shukla made her one of the most talked-about contestants of the season and won her a massive fan following.
She made her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, marking a significant milestone in her career.
She later appeared in Thank You For Coming, alongside Bhumi Pednekar, Kusha Kapila, Dolly Singh and Shibani Bedi. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and received global attention.
Apart from films, Shehnaaz has featured in several music videos, including Sajna Ve Sajna from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, and was recently seen in Ishqnama.
A Lesson in Self-Worth
Shehnaaz Gill’s honest confession highlights a reality many artists face in the entertainment industry. While passion may drive an actor in the beginning, she believes respect should also come in the form of fair compensation.
Her message is simple—working hard deserves recognition, and asking for what you are worth should never be seen as wrong.
