I’m scared of getting trolled: Shehnaaz Gill

Actress Shehnaaz Gill breaks silence on receiving backlash

Rashita Sahni

The line between a celebrity’s intent and the internet’s interpretation has never been thinner. In an era where every soundbite is dissected and every statement is judged in isolation, even the most candid conversations can spiral into controversy within minutes.

Actor Shehnaaz Gill experienced exactly that recently after her comments on therapy sparked widespread backlash online. Many social media users criticised her remarks as being insensitive towards mental health, even as the actor maintained that her words had been misunderstood. Now, speaking exclusively to The Free Press Journal during promotions for her upcoming film Ishqnama, Shehnaaz reflected on the controversy and admitted that the fear of being trolled has made her increasingly hesitant to interact with the media.

“I feel that artists like me often want to say one thing, but end up saying something else. This has always been my problem. Even my friends stop me and say, ‘Wait, let me explain what you’re actually trying to say.’ I want to express one thing, but something else comes out of my mouth. I just can’t explain myself properly. That’s a shortcoming I have,” she said.

Referring to the therapy controversy, the actor acknowledged that the criticism affected her but insisted that her remarks were interpreted differently from what she intended. “I’ve been getting trolled over my comments on therapy.

I had said something about therapy, but it was taken in the wrong sense. Many times, you want to say one thing, but people understand something else. Sometimes, the way questions are asked also has a purpose behind them. People think, ‘If we ask her this, she’ll get triggered.’ People didn’t really understand what I was trying to say. But it’s okay. It’s a part of life. If we weren’t stars, our words wouldn’t become such a huge issue. We learn from it,” she said.

She also admitted that online trolling has fundamentally changed the way she approaches interviews. “You asked me why I don’t give interviews. The reason is that I know I’ll answer honestly, and then I’ll get trolled for it. That fear is always there. That’s exactly why I avoid interviews,” she concluded.