"A Real Story of True Lovers": Shehnaaz Gill and Saurabh Sachdeva Open Up About the Cross-Border Romance 'Ishqnama'
CHANDIGARH — The Punjabi film industry is gearing up for an emotionally charged cinematic experience. The highly anticipated teaser for Ishqnama, a romantic drama rooted in true events, was officially unveiled at a grand launch event on Monday. The film promises a poignant cross-border love story set against the fraught India-Pakistan backdrop of the 1980s, featuring Shehnaaz Gill and Jayy Randhawa in the lead roles.
The teaser launch, which saw the venue transformed into a lavish, wedding-like setting, brought together the principal cast and crew to share insights into the making of the film.
Shehnaaz Gill’s Bold New Avatar
For Shehnaaz Gill, Ishqnama represents a significant departure from her previous roles. The Bigg Boss 13 star, known for her infectious energy, steps into a highly intense and dramatic space.
Speaking to the press at the event, Gill shared intimate details about her character. "My character is a Pakistani girl. There is a boy, Nimma, who you would have read about in the book Hind Pak Border Nama. I am playing the role of Naseema. It is a real story," she explained.
Gill emphasized the depth and resilience of her role. "You will see a very emotional, bold, and strong girl who can go to any extent to get her love. It was quite an intense role, and since I believe I'm a little 'psychotic', it was perfect," she joked, adding, "I'm multifaceted, you all are yet to see my other forms."
The brief teaser visuals confirm this shift, showcasing Gill in traditional attire, portraying a character caught between devotion and incredibly difficult circumstances.
A Story Rooted in Reality
Directed by acclaimed music video director Arvvindr S. Khaira, Ishqnama is an adaptation of the novel Hind Pak Border Nama by Punjabi author Nirmal Nimma. The narrative follows Nimma's real-life journey as he serendipitously meets Naseema Begum, a Pakistani woman, leading to a love story that transcends geographical and religious divides.
Actor Jayy Randhawa, who plays Nimma, revealed that the project had been in the works since 2021. The teaser highlights his character's dangerous journey, showing him crossing the border illegally over 30 times for the sake of his love.
Saurabh Sachdeva's Punjabi Debut
Ishqnama also marks the Punjabi film debut of acclaimed actor and acting coach Saurabh Sachdeva, recently seen in the Bollywood blockbuster Animal. Sachdeva expressed his deep connection to the script and praised his co-star's performance.
"Working on this film has been a deeply moving experience for me," Sachdeva shared. "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."
The launch event also highlighted a heartwarming full-circle moment, as Gill reminisced about her early years participating in Sachdeva's acting workshops, affectionately referring to him as her teacher.
With its intense narrative, raw emotions, and strong ensemble cast, Ishqnama is shaping up to be one of the most significant Punjabi releases of the year. The film is slated for a worldwide theatrical release on July 24, 2026.
Our Final Thoughts
Ishqnama appears to be exactly the kind of emotionally resonant, narrative-driven cinema that the Punjabi industry excels at when given a strong script. For Shehnaaz Gill, this is a massive opportunity to prove her dramatic acting chops, stepping away from the bubbly persona that made her famous. The inclusion of a powerhouse performer like Saurabh Sachdeva further elevates the project's credibility. If Arvvindr S. Khaira can successfully translate the raw emotion of the novel onto the screen, Ishqnama could be a massive cross-over hit this July.