12 February,2026 03:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shehnaaz Gill in Ishqnama
Punjabi Superstar Shehnaaz Gill has once again set the internet abuzz as she unveiled the first poster of her upcoming film Ishqnama - and with it, heralded a powerful new chapter in her cinematic journey.
Taking to social media, Shehnaaz shared the intriguing, intense and melancholic poster.
The poster offers a striking glimpse into Ishqnama's world - a romance drama rooted in true events and unfolding against the fraught India-Pakistan backdrop. In one image, Shehnaaz is seen hugging an injured Jayy Randhawa, her expression heavy with pain, resilience and devotion, capturing a love bruised by conflict yet refusing to break.
She shared another visual featuring only herself, in which she appears to be dressed as a bride, her face half-covered by a dupatta. She is wearing heavy gold jewellery, draped in the old Punjabi aesthetic, hinting at a love story shaped as much by sacrifice as by longing.
She captioned her post: "First picture from my upcoming movieâ¦. (blue heart emoji) 'ISHQNAMA' True Story of True Lovers NIMMA-NASIMA. Releasing 24th July 2026 in cinemas worldwide."
The announcement instantly sparked excitement, not just for the film but for the emotional weight the visuals promise.
This reveal comes at a defining moment in Shehnaaz Gill's career. In 2025, she achieved a major milestone with the Punjabi film Ikk Kudi, marking her debut as a producer under Shehnaaz Gill Production. The film emerged as a commercial success, establishing her not just as a performer but as a creative force backing stories with substance. Before that, she had already earned acclaim with the 2021 Punjabi blockbuster Honsla Rakh, which showcased her ability to connect with audiences on a large scale.
Shehnaaz opened up about not receiving good offers in Bollywood, "That statement came from the fact that I am not getting good stories, and I am being used as a prop in films. I am seeing the same kind of stories; there is nothing unique, and they have no great messages. I was getting a lot of offers, but I feel putting that money on me should be worthwhile. I have been offered Punjabi films for the last five years, but I wasn't doing them. I wanted someone to bet on me with a different concept. I wanted to make a comeback in the Punjab industry in a different way, especially when I was returning after 3-4 years. I was waiting for that."
With Ishqnama, Shehnaaz appears to be pushing her artistic boundaries even further, embracing a romance etched in history, loss and hope.
