With the public interest in her life, Shehnaaz Gill often becomes the subject of nasty rumours and reports too. The actor, last seen in the Punjabi film Singh Vs Kaur 2, has faced linked up rumours and has often been the subject of trolling. But she has quite a fun take on how to deal with such rumours.

“The ones making headlines, I can understand their intention as they want views, warna wo bechare news kaise bechenge agar kharab headline nahin lagayenge. If I have a slip of tongue and that becomes the headline, I just pray ki becharon ko views aa jaye meri wajah se. Itni achi baaton se to kuch faayda nahin hua hai, par kisi ka to bhala ho,” she quips.

Ask her where this quirkiness comes from and she says, “Khoon Punjabi hai na, to comedy karti nahin hun main, comedy lagti hun. People find it fun and they like it. I don’t try to do it, it just comes naturally.”

Elaborating on how she manages to stay true to her nature and not get influenced by the voices around her, Shehnaaz Gill says, “I have never let someone overpower me and tell me how to talk, walk or behave in front of the media. I was told a lot of things, but I believe, jo ho wahi raho. If you stay true to yourself, people will accept you, otherwise the whole industry is that way. They can rather watch them but you. Everyone is different and has their individual personalities, and they should stay true to that.”

The impact of being true to herself has been that people relate to her more. Explaining with an example, she shares, “On one single day, I was at the airport and two people said the same thing to me. Ek tu aur dusri Shraddha Kapoor, in dono ladkiyon se milne ke liye hum marr rahe the. Once was a coincidence, but twice the same thing got me curious. I asked them why they took both our names in the same breath and they told me, ‘Aap jo ho waise hi rehte ho, aap apni bhasha ko pyaar karte ho and wo bhi waise hi hain’. I thought that if two people are thinking that way, how many people would be thinking the same too.”

But does she feel Punjabi media treat her better than Hindi media? “Punjabi media used to treat me casually too, but I don’t know what changed. Now everyone there comes and hugs me and tells me that they will give me special treatment because I have won their hearts. Hindi media gives me love too, but there is a different connection I feel with them,” she responds.

The actor goes on to add, “When people tell me that they feel inspired from my journey and they relate to me, I feel so special. I have received so much love that even I feel I must have done something right.”

Shehnaaz Gill was announced as one of the four leads in filmmaker Sajid Khan's return to direction with 100% four years ago, however the film never materialized. Starring John Abraham, Riteish Deshmukh and Nora Fatehi alongside Shehnaaz Gill, it was a big announcement for the actor. However, when it didn’t pan out, she didn’t lose hope.

Ask the actor, who was recently seen in the Punjabi film Singh Vs Kaur 2 with Gippy Grewal, about dealing with the film shelving, and she says, "Main utna serious leti nahin hun in cheezon ko. Mujhe aisa lagta hai ki nahin hui Acha 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 un ko jawab kya dungi. Logon ki umeedein bhi ban jati hain, to main wo todna nahin chahti."

Shehnaaz had recently opened up how she did not get respect from within the industry due to her doing work for free out of respect for her relationships in the past. Elaborating on it, she tells us, “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.”

The last Hindi film release Shehnaaz had was in 2023 with Thank You For Coming. While she has been getting substantial roles in Punjabi cinema, in Hindi films, her role had been quite brief. Is that the reason she hasn’t locked another Hindi film yet? “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,” she replies.

In Singh Vs Kaur 2, she got to learn a lot from her co-star Gippy Grewal, including developing an interest in direction. “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 laughs.

Actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill believes that Diwali feels truly special only when spent at home, surrounded by family, laughter, and festive cheer. “It’s going to be a working Diwali, but the best part is that I will be home in Punjab this year,” she tells us. She is missing her brother, singer Shehbaz Badesha, who is currently a contestant on Bigg Boss 19. “Although I’m sad he won’t be with us in person, he’ll be there virtually through our TV,” she shares.

“Kahin bhi chale jao, Golden Temple ki Diwali ka koi mukabala nahin hai. The peace that you will feel there is something else,” she insists, adding, “Chhote hote sab saath mil kar gurudwara jaya karte the. Itne saalon baad, we have kept the tradition intact.”

As a youngster, Diwali was “all about crackers, dher sari mithai, playing around, and darshan”. But having “matured and understood life better”, the 31-year-old feels, “Now, Diwali is about light; we should light a diya inside us so we can get rid of the darkness within.”

Celebrations include giving back to the community. The actor shares, “Whether it’s donating to an orphanage or visiting an old-age home, these small gestures can bring so much joy... Diwali is about bringing light into someone else’s life, too. And if we can do that even in a small way, then that’s the real celebration.”

With the festival also marking a season of indulgence, Shehnaaz admits that maintaining fitness can be challenging: “I love Kaju Katli. Bahut mushkil hai usko resist karna! Fitness zaruri hai, par Diwali par mithai toh banti hai.”

And while celebrations are important, Shehnaaz is mindful of the environmental impact. “Diwali hai toh pataake toh bajenge, but it’s important to celebrate responsibly... I’ll burst crackers but just a few, for shagun, which is more than enough.”

Shehnaaz Gill was recently hospitalized, sparking concern among fans after photos of her in a medical facility surfaced online. While the reason for her sudden hospitalization was initially unclear, actor Karan Veer Mehra, who visited her on August 4, has confirmed that it was due to food poisoning.

“She’s not feeling good,” Mehra said, adding that they had met just the night before she was admitted. “We were just chilling together with some friends. She was there. And the next day, she was in the hospital.”

He clarified that the condition, while not serious, had required medical attention. “She had food poisoning. Nothing major. Food poisoning can get serious, and the doctor suggested that she should get admitted as a precaution. When I met her, she was not feeling well, but I’m sure with rest and medication, she will recover soon.”

On Monday, Karan Veer took to his Instagram stories to share a video from the hospital room when he met Shehnaaz. While providing a health update that Shehnaaz is doing well, Karan Veer also made a heartfelt appeal to his fans, urging them to pray for her.

In the clip, he showed Shehnaaz lying on the hospital bed with a drip attached to her hand. “Yeh dekho bechari. What has happened to her? Look at this,” he is heard saying.

In North India, as winter chill peaks in January, the festival of Lohri wraps everyone into its warmth. Shehnaaz Gill is also settling into the festive fervour of Lohri in Chandigarh, where the singer and actor is currently shooting for her Punjabi film, celebrating the tradition with her loved ones, embracing renewal, and looking forward with optimism. Excerpts.

“Lohri marks the end of the winter harvest season,” Shehnaaz says with nostalgia. “It’s a time when friends, family, and neighbours gather around the bonfire, calling out to the beat of the dhol. We dance, we laugh, and we share special foods like till ke laddu, bugga, gajak, revadi, popcorn, and peanuts. It’s a feast that brings everyone together, circling the bonfire and enjoying traditional dishes like sarson ka saag with white butter, often prepared by my mom or masi, and everyone taking part in the preparation of the food."

Reflecting on her fondest childhood memories of Lohri, Shehnaaz recalls, "As a child, Lohri meant a day off from routine, a time to play and enjoy the festivities without a care in the world. That feeling remains unmatched even today."

“Lohri, to me, is like a New Year,” she says, adding, “The bonfire symbolizes more than just warmth; it represents a cleansing fire where we let go of past grievances and negativity. As an artiste, I strive to surround myself with positivity and carefully consider the projects I take on. So, Lohri signifies growth and embracing new beginnings.”

Looking ahead to her career in 2025, Shehnaaz, whose last Bollywood project was the sizzling dance number Sajna Ve Sajna from the film Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video, shares her newfound perspective.

“I am getting a lot of offers, but quality is of utmost importance to me now. I've learned to be patient, waiting for the perfect script that aligns with my vision. I am running a marathon and aiming for longevity in the industry with meaningful work. I am in no rush to get somewhere."

She adds, “In this journey, I have time on my side. I'm here for the long haul, making deliberate choices that resonate with my aspirations and values and with my film Ikk Kudi, you will get to see that. This Lohri is renewing me in very way, personal and professional.”

After his stint as a judge on a reality show, Guru Randhawa is back on television as a mentor for the ongoing season of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. In a chat with us, Guru talks about how being an independent artiste is empowering, his musical goals, relationships and more.

Along with delivering chart-topping hits like Lagdi Lahore Di, Suit Suit, and Munde Mar Gaye, Guru made his Bollywood debut last year with Kuch Khattaa Ho Jaay.

Ask him if Bollywood is crucial for wider recognition, and he replies, “Everything contributes to your profile, but where you come from matters. I wasn’t dependent on Bollywood for my success, I had already made a name for myself before I stepped in. Bollywood sometimes makes you feel ki unhe jab aapki zaroorat hai woh bula lenge aur jab nahi hai tab aap chale jaao. That’s why being an independent artiste is empowering. My goal is to make great music, whether for Bollywood or otherwise.”

Stressing on the need for artistic independence, he says, “Just like in a marriage, where both partners need to be independent to avoid complications, an artiste needs independence too. If you’re an independent singer, you don’t have to wait for anyone to call you or release your song. You can upload it online yourself. We’re not tied down and we don’t need to stand in line for opportunities. If you take our song, great; if not, we’ll release it ourselves.”

His personal life has also been in the news, as he has been linked to actress Shehnaaz Gill, and rumours are that they are in a relationship. Clearing the air, he says, “Shehnaaz is a good friend. She’s very sweet.”

Ask him what his thoughts on marriage are, and he says, “For me, marriage is about giving time to your partner. If you have time to dedicate to your family, then go for it. If not, don’t. The same applies to relationships. I simply don’t have time for either right now.”

Often, reality shows focus on the emotional backstories of participants rather than their talent, which some say misleads the audience.

Guru says, “These stories are relatable to many people and can inspire them to follow their dreams. Of course, focus on the artiste’s growth, but you can showcase their struggles alongside. Most stories are similar — we all come from small towns and middle-class families. Their stories motivate me to write and keep moving forward.”

Shehnaaz Gill is celebrating this Diwali with her grandparents in Beas, Punjab. After her grandmother battled cancer and was treated successfully at Chandigarh’s PGIMER last year, Shehnaaz decided to thank the doctors and staff with a gesture at the hospital this Diwali. Excerpts from an exclusive conversation with Shehnaaz in Chandigarh.

I celebrate Diwali every year because I truly feel the symbolism of light on this festival, I feel it brings much needed cheer to the world. I have a very strong belief in spirituality and try my best to manifest good things for not just myself and my dear ones, but for everyone. And festivals are a powerful time for good vibes and manifestations. This year I decided to do my bit to spread some cheer on Diwali by spending time with the staff and patients of PGIMER in Chandigarh. They had made a beautiful rangoli at the hospital and I felt good giving it its finishing touches. Amid all the sadness that illness brings in its wake, doctors and staff stand as a beacon of light with their dedication towards patients.

My weight loss journey was very difficult, and as anyone who has lost a lot of weight will tell you, it requires a lot of focus. The determination to avoid junk food and control food cravings is not easy at all but I achieved all that. I had set that goal for myself, not in competition with others. I was excited to feature in the video of the song Sajna Ve Sajna, which was a remake of the original. The song required a certain look which was possible because of the hard work I had put towards my fitness. I was happy that audiences followed my dance steps and recreated my costume for their own reels.

Good things come to those who wait, and I have tremendous patience. As an artist aspiring for good work, I am waiting for an impactful role to come my way. There are many things I am getting into, besides acting and singing, which I will talk about once those are finalized.

Shehnaaz Gill, last seen in ‘Thank You for Coming’, has been brought on board for a special number in Triptii Dimri and Rajkummar Rao’s ‘Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video’. She will dance to the recreated version of ‘Sajna Ve Sajna’ from ‘Chameli’ (2003). The actress-singer finished shooting the song a couple of days ago.

Director Raaj Shaandilyaa says, “We wanted someone who has not performed many special numbers to bring freshness to the recreated version, and Shehnaaz has done complete justice to it. Rajkummar will also make a brief appearance in it. I make films with family audiences in mind, and Shehnaaz is a perfect choice for the song because they love her. She is cute and beautiful, adding much-needed charm to the number. The redux version comes at a crucial juncture in the movie and takes the narrative forward.”

The film will include a few more recreated versions of popular songs. Regarding Shehnaaz, the actress-singer has been focussing on enhancing her acting and diction. We have learnt that she is taking Hindi and Urdu classes to refine her Punjabi accent.

Shehnaaz catapulted to fame following her stint in ‘Bigg Boss 13’, which is arguably the most popular season of the reality show. She was featured in a few music videos before she made her way into the Hindi film industry. The actress made her Bollywood debut with the Salman Khan-starrer ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan’ and was later seen in Bhumi Pednekar’s ‘Thank You For Coming’. Both were released last year.

In a previous chat with us, while talking about her love for singing and her Punjabi accent, Shehnaaz had said, “Jab main Hindi mein baat karti hoon tab Punjabi sound karti hai, but that’s not the case with singing. I understand music and can sing in any language and pick an accent easily.”

It has been an eventful week for Varun Sharma. The actor wrapped up the shoot of Sab First Class in Punjab, returning to Mumbai in time for the launch of D, which was announced on Thursday as part of Netflix’s 2024 slate. He believes the Samarpreet Singh-directed comedy, which also stars Jassie Gill, Manjot Singh and Sunny Singh, will resonate with the youth. Reason? To the actor, it’s the perfect road trip film.

“I think the best road trips happen after a break-up. When you have your friends by your side while going through a break-up, the chaos, wickedness and wackiness that take place—[it’s all reflected] in Wild Wild Punjab. After a relationship ends, every person feels the need to say, ‘I am over you’. Here, my character is on a journey to say these four amazing words,” laughs Sharma.

Comedy comes naturally to him. While it was evident in his debut film Fukrey (2013), where he shone as the goofy Choocha, the actor, over the past decade, honed his craft and was praised for his performances in the subsequent Fukrey instalments and Chhichhore (2019). Sharma aims to widen his range within the genre this year.

“In each film, I’m portraying a character that challenges me to redefine comedy. It’s a thrilling experience to experiment with different comedic styles. I had a great time shooting with Shehnaaz Gill and Kusha Kapila for Sab First Class. We are friends, and when friends reunite on screen, the process becomes a lot of fun.”

The actor will also be seen in Rumi Ki Sharafat, produced by Dinesh Vijan.

Shehnaaz Gill, who became a popular name after she participated in Bigg Boss 13, made her Bollywood debut last month with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan starring Salman Khan. And even before her debut film released, the actress bagged her next film.

For someone who’s just stepped into the Hindi film industry, ask Shehnaaz if she is happy with the way her career is shaping up and she says, “Main yeh bolna chahti hoon ki industry open nahi hoti, open karni padti hai. You have to work on yourself…apne aap ko change karke. Mere liye kuch bhi open nahi hai, main jo kar rahi hoon, apni mehnat se kar rahi hoon.”

Shehnaaz started working on herself from the time she was seen on the reality show hosted by Salman. From getting fit, to upping her fashion game and hosting a chat show in which she interviews celebs, this seems to be a new version of the actress.

Shehnaaz explains, “I have always been inspired by myself. Main khud se hiroz inspire hoti hoon. I genuinely feel that if you want to grow in life, then you have to be open to change and work on yourself. Do it day by day... take your time, but introduce that change in yourself because it is important. If you present yourself the way you are and give nothing new to your audience, then they will get bored. Hum public figure hai and if we don’t offer variety to the audience, they will get bored of us.”

And this is exactly what she intends todo. Loved by fans for her bubbly personality, Shehnaaz admits that she has been attending workshops to hone her acting skills. “I have been going for workshops. Aur jaise aapko farak meri styling mein aaj kal dikh raha hai, meri acting mein bhi zaroor dikhai dega bohot jald.”

The actress who’s not supposed to talk about her next project, which also stars Anil Kapoor, says, “It feels good to be working with an artiste of that stature. Even if you share screen for two minutes with them, you get to learn so much. You should always look forward to such learning experiences.”

Raghav Juyal, who has been in the spotlight recently for his alleged relationship with co-star Shehnaaz Gill, has put the rumours to rest. The actor-dancer denies any romantic involvement with Gill, stating that they are just good friends. He tells us, “No truth at all; wo (rumours) faaltu ki cheezein hain.” 

The 31-year-old hints that these speculations came to light as a result of actor Salman Khan’s advice to Gill during the promotions of their recently released Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan. Khan had suggested Gill to “move on” in life after the death of her alleged partner, Siddharth Shukla. Many took Khan’s comments as confirmation of Juyal and Gill’s alleged dalliance. 

In 2021, we reported that Juyal had been dating Swedish intimacy coordinator Sara Arrhusius for more than four years before Gill’s name popped up in the media. “Woh bhi relation tha nahin, bas bana diya gaya. She is still a friend,” the actor-dancer clarifies, claiming that he is not dating anyone at the moment. “I’m like bhai (referring to Khan), single,” he says, adding, “My focus is on my films. There’s a lot to be done.” 

Opening up about his equation with Gill for the first time, Juyal shares that it is similar to that of any two cordial co-stars: “When you spend almost three to four months shooting for a movie, dosti yaari ho jaati hai.” He goes on to blame Gill’s participation in a reality show for the conjectures that spread like wildfire.

Juyal explains, “Shehnaaz ki dikkat yeh hai ki usne Bigg Boss 13 (2019) kiya hai. The audience is invested in their (the participants’) personal lives, so it becomes like a drug, and they want that drug even after the show ends. I have travelled and spent time with others as well, lekin uske saath logon ko drama create karna tha. I don’t know what it is! Dukh hota hai,” says Juyal, who became a household name with his stint in Dance India Dance. But these stories don’t bother Juyal or make his camaraderie with Gill awkward, as he puts it: “Hum hansi-mazaak hi karte hain.”

During a promotional event for his latest film, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Salman Khan spoke about actor Shehnaaz Gill’s bond with late actor Sidharth Shukla and advised her to “move on” in life. Recently, during an appearance on the television show Aap Ki Adalat, the actor has cleared the air.

While speaking of how Khan wanted to be a father but didn’t want to get married, host Rajat Sharma reminded him of his advice to Gill. To this, the actor said, “I told her to move on. Sid (Shukla) ab iss duniya mein nahin rahe. I’m sure he will also want Shehnaaz to move on. Ye nahin ki unki shaadi ho jaye, bachche ho jaye.”

He laughed, “Abhi nahin, bahut time hai. But to get out of that Sidnaaz [phase], woh bohot hi heavy tha uske upar aur woh toot rahi thi bechari bachchi. Toh maine bola ki move on. Iska ye matlab nahin ki main bring it on bol raha hun.”

Shukla and Gill were both a part of Bigg Boss 13 and grew closer to each other. In September 2021, the former died of a heart attack.

Gill, who made her Bollywood debut with Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, was linked up with co-actor Raghav Juyal. However, the latter denied the same.

Shehnaaz Gill’s candour, coupled with her chirpiness, made her popular on Bigg Boss 13. But as we sit down to talk about her Bollywood debut, Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (KKBKKJ), it doesn’t take long to note that her mood influences her conversation. Tired after back-to-back video interactions, Gill chooses to be curt, even if candid. Perhaps being constantly in the public eye hasn’t prepared her for an interaction when no one is watching her.

She begins, “I have always been in the public eye. So, it hasn’t been too hard for me [to be a public figure]. I love that people love me. What else does an actor want?”

Gill has been one of the biggest success stories to come out of a reality show. After being adjudged the second runner-up on Bigg Boss 13, she bagged endorsements and music videos. Her next stop — Bollywood. However, she had to endure a long process of “grooming” before foraying into movies. 

“When I came out of Bigg Boss, I understood that I needed to work hard on myself. The most difficult part was to lose weight. Then, I had to work on my styling. A lot of people used to tell me that I had to lose weight [for a Bollywood career], but I did it only when I felt the need to.”

Today, she has a promising debut vehicle in the Salman Khan-led KKBKKJ. The superstar has been unflinching in his support towards Gill since her reality show days. She, however, emphasizes that Khan is protective towards everyone around him. “It’s not just me or Palak [Tiwari] that he is protective of. He takes care of everyone, even those who are older than him.”

In her short run in showbiz so far, Gill has received not only immense love, but also brickbats. From being trolled for her closeness with Khan, to being accused of moving on ‘too quickly’ after Sidharth Shukla’s demise, she has seen plenty. The negativity doesn’t affect her, she asserts.

“Now, more eyes are on me. People think, let’s make her miserable now that she is entering Bollywood. But that’s not going to happen. It can’t affect me.”

Singer Sona Mohapatra’s recent tweets on the growing “wannabe celebrity culture” grabbed eyeballs. Many assumed it was a ‘dig’ at actor-singer Shehnaaz Gill, as at one point, Mohapatra had called out Gill for supporting #MeToo accused director Sajid Khan. The artiste feels it’s time we move past the “catfight” imagery and address the issue at hand.

Mohapatra tells us, “I’ve been consistent in sticking my neck out for women’s empowerment and fairplay. So, it’s equally important to call out opportunistic women who are happy to compromise whatever little ideals they have to pursue their ambitions of fame and fortune by siding with well-established male sexual predators. It’s not like we’ve ever received something even remotely resembling acknowledgement of their wrongdoings, from men like Sajid Khan or (singer) Anu Malik. When women side with them and play dumb, it’s disturbing.”

She goes on to talk about her tweets being misconstrued to make it seem like a ‘dig’. “If we expect men to do and be better, don’t those standards apply to women as well? To read headlines of me ‘lashing out’, ‘slamming’ or ‘taking a dig’ at another woman is disturbing. It is a cliché of the patriarchal mindset,” says the singer, who recently released a song, Roti Machine.

Amid times of “disturbingly popular music videos” portraying women suffering in the name of love, Mohapatra hopes her latest track can drive change in the narrative around women. “See Dhokha by Afsana Khan (singer)... Women are portrayed as gold-diggers who need ‘shopping’ to be won over or are objectified, while the men have swag. This puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on young men to provide, apart from creating a sick stereotype for women. Roti Machine is one such musical response I put out, where we say that love is a two-way street. You have to give respect to get respect,” she concludes.

After wrapping up Salman Khan’s multi-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan and Rhea Kapoor’s film helmed by her husband Karan Boolani, Shehnaaz Gill has now been roped in to play a part in Nikkhil Advani’s next production. She has been cast in a project led by women, also starring Vaani Kapoor.

Informs a source associated with the film, “It’s a women-led film and every actress will have an equally prominent role. The shoot was originally scheduled to commence last year. However, it got delayed due to weather conditions and will now go on floors in March in Bhopal. Shehnaaz is working hard to sink her teeth into the character. In fact, she is also training in acting to better her craft.”

The film will be helmed by Mitakshara Kumar, who is currently busy with Heeramandi, a series created by Sanjay Leela Bhansali.

She may be focussing on her acting career at the moment, but Shehnaaz Gill always finds time for her first love music. She says, “I aspired to become a singer. However, destiny had other plans for me and I started my career as a model. Whenever I am sad or want to distract myself, music comes to my rescue. I absolutely love the vibe of recording in a studio. Music mere liye sukoon hai, it calms me.”

The singer-actress, who shot to fame with Bigg Boss 13, believes in living in the moment. “I don’t plan anything. So, it’s not that I want to explore acting opportunities or sing. I follow my heart. If acting gives me joy, I do that and that’s how it is with music, too. I will always balance both, and singing won’t be on the back burner,” says Shehnaaz, who will make her debut in Bollywood with the Salman Khan-starrer Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan.

Ask her if her understanding of sur aur taal helps her in acting and she replies, “Music helps me a lot as an actor. If I have to laugh or cry in a scene, I think of a song that fits the mood and enables me to emote easily. It makes the process of acting smooth for me.”

So, what’s closer to her heart — singing or acting? She says both. “It would be like asking me to choose between my left and the right eye. Both are precious. That’s how singing and acting are for me. I can’t compare or choose between the two,” says Shehnaaz, who has been collaborating with singers for singles.

She also wishes to explore playback opportunities as well. She shares, “I want to sing for Bollywood stars and I hope my wish gets fulfilled. Itne sapne poore ho rahe hain toh ye bhi adhoora nahi rahega (smiles).”

Though her Hindi does have a Punjabi accent, the actress claims that she can switch accents easily when she takes to the mic. “Jab main Hindi mein baat karti hoon tab Punjabi sound karti hai, but that’s not the case with singing. I understand music and can sing in any language and pick an accent easily,” she sings off.

Beginning with a concert in Toronto on August 19, Sanjay Dutt was to headline gigs in Dallas, Atlanta, Washington and New Jersey as part of his tour, titled Sanju Baba Chale Amerika. The actor, who was the main draw of the tour across the USA and Canada, was to be joined by Arshad Warsi, Shehnaaz Gill, Maniesh Paul, and Neeti Mohan, among others.

However, in August, mid-day had reported that the shows were abruptly cancelled (It’s a no-show, Aug 28). While some stated that the makers faced logistical issues after block dates of the artistes couldn’t be matched, others blamed it on poor ticket sales.

At the time, while the organizers issued refunds to the ticket holders, Dutt flew back to India and utilized the dates to shoot his actioner Baap. Now, it is learnt that the organizers are planning to conduct the shows next year. A source says, “The team has decided to move the tour to March 2023. Prep for the shows will start well in advance.”

When mid-day contacted the organisers, Mehboob Haider, president, Splendid Global Entertainment Inc, said, “There are rumours about the show being cancelled; these are completely false. The show is definitely on track, and has been moved to March. They will be held in the US and Canada, as planned.”

Singer-actor Shehnaaz Gill’s father, Santokh Singh Sokhi Gill, who recently received a death threat, said he will leave Punjab if no arrests are made, as reported by ANI.

Singh shared that he had filed a police complaint after the threat call. He further alleged that the caller, identifying himself as “Happy”, has threatened to “kill” him “before Diwali”. “I reached the SSP of Amritsar Rural Police on Saturday to file a complaint,” he said and added, “I think they want to target me because I am a Hindu leader.”

He asked the authorities to investigate the matter and said, “If no arrests are made, I will soon be forced to leave Punjab and settle elsewhere.” To which, SP Jaswant Kaur assured, “The incident will be investigated and action will be taken.”

This is not the first time Singh has been threatened. Reportedly, in December 2021, after joining the Bhartiya Janta Party, he was attacked by two men. As per reports, he was sitting inside his car when two unidentified assailants arrived and shot at him.

Click, upload. Click, upload. Be it outside a gym, airport or cafe, social media feeds are filled with celeb spottings 24*7. Stories are weaved just by viewing these snaps and reels — fashion, dating life, body language, pretty much everything makes it to news headlines, too. But is there any magic mantra by which the paps get to know about the whereabouts of celebs? Here’s an explainer by three popular paparazzi: Viral Bhayani, Yogen Shah and Manav Manglani.

Most of the time, Manglani says, they research to track celeb movements, usually around their movie releases. “We know that the stars will come out to promote their project, we know where they are shooting, we know their car numbers by heart. And the PR managers also tell us where the celebs will be at what time,” Manglani tells us.

Meanwhile, Shah says the restaurant spottings happen on the tip of the owners of the joints: “The day the actors get to know that these things are happening, they will stop going to that restaurant.”

“We have to chase the big celebs. The others call you to pap them,” says Bhayani, adding that sometimes it gets overwhelming for them. He adds that many non-A-listers, too, call them up and say, “Humari spotting kar do, paisa le lo”.

A well-placed source also reveals, “Big celebs don’t care about spottings. But others use this as a tool through which corporate heads notice them, and pay them for favours.”

Bhayani shares that these days, a lot of “producers also put pressure” to snap actors who are part of their movies “to increase project visibility”. Whose spottings are most in demand? “Actors Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Alia Bhatt, TejRan (Tejasswi Prakash and Karan Kundrra) and Shehnaaz Gill. Rakhi Sawant involved in some banter or Uorfi Javed doing something crazy are also in demand. And as for who people don’t want to see, even at the airports — most senior, prolific actors,” he says.

Have stars ever asked you to delete pics? “We are very pally with celebs now. But until a few years back, it used to happen a lot. Like an actor exiting a maker’s office would say, ‘Please let announcement happen first’. But we also don’t click celebs who don’t want us to, like actor Siddharth (who threatened the paps when they clicked him exiting the same salon as rumoured girlfriend, actor Aditi Rao Hydari),” Manglani concludes.