Punjabi actress Lovepreet Gill has stepped into the Bigg Boss 20 house as a contestant, and she is already fielding comparisons to a familiar name — Shehnaaz Gill, the Punjab-born actress who became a household name during Bigg Boss 13. Lovepreet, however, is clear: she wants to be seen for who she is, not as a sequel to someone else's story.

Lovepreet's Take on the Comparison

When asked about entering the Bigg Boss house as a Punjabi actress and the inevitable comparisons that would follow, Lovepreet was candid. 'She is my senior artist, but I have my own identity. I have also given a few years to the industry. She is a senior artist. I request the public to understand that I have my own name. My family has given me my identity. Please give me love too. Don't compare us,' she said.

Lovepreet further urged viewers to give her a fair chance to carve out her own space, noting that she has invested considerable time building her career in the entertainment industry.

The Shehnaaz Gill Legacy on Bigg Boss 13

Shehnaaz Gill entered the Bigg Boss 13 house with the tag 'Punjab ki Katrina' and rapidly became one of the most beloved contestants of that season, thanks to her effervescent and unfiltered personality. She finished as the 2nd runner-up, with the late actor Sidharth Shukla lifting the trophy that year.

Much of Shehnaaz's popularity was also tied to her on-screen chemistry with Sidharth, which spawned the widely-trended hashtag #SidNaaz on social media. The duo's bond resonated deeply with audiences long after the show concluded.

The Shadow of Sidharth Shukla

The story of Bigg Boss 13 cannot be told without acknowledging a profound tragedy. Sidharth Shukla passed away on 2 September 2021 at the age of 40, following a sudden cardiac arrest at his Mumbai residence. His untimely death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and left millions of fans grieving.

Shehnaaz Gill's own public journey in the aftermath of his passing was widely followed, and it significantly shaped how audiences perceived her beyond the reality television format.

What This Means for Bigg Boss 20

The comparison between the two Punjabi actresses is, in many ways, a testament to how deeply Bigg Boss 13 is etched in popular memory. For Lovepreet Gill, navigating that legacy while asserting her own identity will likely be one of the defining narratives of her stint in the house. How audiences respond — and whether they extend the warmth she has asked for — will unfold over the coming weeks on the Salman Khan-hosted show.