Currently basking in the theatrical run of her cross-cultural Punjabi comedy Singh Vs Kaur 2 opposite Gippy Grewal, Shehnaaz addressed the unrealized project during a recent interaction with Hindustan Times. Rather than harboring regret, she revealed a pragmatic perspective on the volatile nature of Bollywood productions, admitting that she has learned not to dwell on unmaterialized films or raise public expectations before a project is completed.
"Kuch Cheezein Nahin Banne Mein Hi Bhalai Hoti Hai"
Announced when Shehnaaz was transitioning into mainstream feature films following her breakout television popularity, 100% was positioned as an important commercial stepping stone. However, the film ran into repeated restructuring delays and never made it to the floors.
Addressing how she dealt with the shelving of the high-profile comedy, Shehnaaz remarked:
“Main utna serious leti nahin hun in cheezon ko. Mujhe aisa lagta hai ki nahin hui, achha hua, kyunki kuch cheezein nahin banne mein hi bhalai hoti hai. Jitni der tak tumhara project pura ban ke ready nahi ho jata hai, tab tak baat na karo uski kyunki kabhi bhi kuch bhi ho jata hai. Mujhe pata hai kal ko nahin hua to log sawaal karenge aur main unko jawab kya dungi. Logon ki umeedein bhi ban jati hain, to main wo todna nahin chahti.” (I don’t take these things that seriously. I feel it's good it didn’t happen, because some things are better left unmade. Until your project is completely finished and ready, you shouldn't speak about it because anything can happen at any time. If it doesn't happen tomorrow, people will ask questions, and what will I answer? People develop expectations, and I don't want to break them.)
Why the Delay in Locking Another Hindi Film?
Following her appearance in the 2023 ensemble comedy Thank You For Coming and her debut in Salman Khan's Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Shehnaaz has been noticeably selective about locking fresh Bollywood scripts, focusing primarily on meatier regional leads in Pollywood:
Waiting for Substantial Parts: She admitted that while she was offered Hindi projects, the screen time and substance failed to match her creative ambitions:
“Mujhe impactful role hi nahin mile. Jo bhi roles maine kiye, wo impactful nahin the. So, I sat with myself and told myself to choose accordingly, irrespective of the language.”
Language Is No Barrier: Shehnaaz noted that whether it is Hindi or Punjabi cinema, she will prioritize whether a character leaves an impression on the viewer rather than signing films merely to increase project volume.
Setting Professional Boundaries: "It’s Not About Money, It’s About Respect"
Expanding on past statements where she opened up about feeling taken for granted in the industry, Shehnaaz emphasized the importance of charging proper remuneration rather than doing favors out of personal relationships:
The Reality of Unpaid Work: “Jab tum apni mehnat ke paise lete ho, wo bahut important hai aur agar tum wo nahin loge, to tumhari aur tumhare kaam ki izzat nahin hogi. No one will take you seriously, and it has happened in many music videos before. But after a point, you have to say no kyunki paise ki baat nahin, izzat ki baat hai.”
Developing an Eye for Direction: Reflecting on her collaborative experience with co-star and director Gippy Grewal on Singh Vs Kaur 2, Shehnaaz joked that while crew members told her she has the instincts of a director, she recognizes the craft takes decades to master:
“Logon ne bola main achhi director ban sakti hun, but for that, you not only need good leadership skills but also talent. So, jab main 50-60 saal ki ho jaungi, tab kar lungi direction,” she laughed.
Trade Verdict:
Shehnaaz Gill’s candid take on the shelving of 100% showcases a grounded maturity in navigating the uncertain business realities of Hindi cinema. By walking away from insubstantial bit-parts in Mumbai to headline prominent regional commercial outings like Singh Vs Kaur 2, she continues to build sustainable equity rooted in self-respect, creative impact, and box-office longevity.
