Actress Shehnaaz Gill is set to take on one of the lead roles in the upcoming Punjabi film 'Ishqnama', directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira and scheduled to release in cinemas on 24 July this year. The film marks a significant new chapter for the 'Bigg Boss 13' fame actress, who promises audiences a side of her they have not seen before.

Shehnaaz on Her Character Naseema

Speaking at the recently held teaser launch event of the film, Gill described her role as a bold departure from her earlier screen personas. She plays Naseema, a Pakistani girl whose love story forms the emotional core of the narrative.

'My character is a Pakistani girl. There is a boy, Nima, who you would have read about in the book 'Border Nama'. I am playing the role of Naseema. It is a real story. You will see a very emotional, bold and strong girl who can go to any extent to get her love,' she said.

Gill noted that 'Ishqnama' is rooted in reality and carries a deeply emotional texture, adding that viewers will witness her in a new, fearless avatar in this film.

Co-Star Saurabh Sachdeva on Their On-Screen Chemistry

Actor and acting coach Saurabh Sachdeva, known for his role in 'Animal', also features in the film and praised Gill's performance effusively. He revealed that their shared scenes carry particular emotional weight.

'Working on this film has been a deeply moving experience for me. The scenes I shared with Shehnaaz are particularly powerful, and I believe audiences will be genuinely surprised and touched by them. I admired the way she balanced different shades of her character while creating a space for genuine collaboration between us. What we created together felt very honest and emotionally impactful. Overall, this film has given me some unforgettable memories, and I'm truly grateful to the entire team for making this journey so special,' Sachdeva said.

About the Film

'Ishqnama' is described as a real and emotional love story, drawing from the book 'Border Nama'. The film is helmed by Arvvindr S. Khaira, a director known for his work in Punjabi cinema. With a cross-border romance at its centre, the film appears to aim for both emotional resonance and dramatic depth.

What to Expect

The teaser launch has already generated considerable curiosity around Gill's transformation on screen. With Saurabh Sachdeva promising that audiences will be 'genuinely surprised' by their scenes together, 'Ishqnama' arrives as one of the more anticipated Punjabi releases of the summer. The film is set to hit cinema halls on 24 July 2025.