Actor Shehnaz Gill has revealed that she no longer accepts projects without fair remuneration, saying her early experiences of working for free failed to earn her the respect she expected, says Hindustan Times.
Speaking in a recent interview, the actor said financial compensation has become a key consideration before signing a film, adding that artists should never hesitate to fight for what they deserve.
“Money is very important. It gives you respect,” Shehnaz said.
“When 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 their rights. I work really hard and have gone through a lot to reach where I am today.”
Reflecting on the early stages of her career, Shehnaz admitted she had accepted several projects without charging a fee, believing the opportunities would help her establish herself.
“Yes, there was a time when I did a lot of work for free. But I didn’t get any respect for that. I did so much for so many people,” she said.
The actor said she now stands firm on fair remuneration but remains willing to compromise if a script truly excites her.
“Sometimes you know they won’t pay you well, but you still choose the project because the story is meaningful,” she explained.
However, Shehnaz stressed that she has never accepted a film solely for financial gain while compromising on quality.
“If you ask me whether I’ve ever done a project just for money by compromising on the work, the answer is no,” she said.
Shehnaz first rose to fame through the Punjabi entertainment industry before becoming a household name after her appearance on Bigg Boss 13.
She made her Bollywood debut opposite Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and later appeared in Thank You For Coming, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
She has since expanded her career across both Hindi and Punjabi cinema while continuing to be selective about the roles she accepts.
