Punjabi cinema’s leading lady Sonam Bajwa, who has also made her mark in Bollywood and South Indian films, recently opened up about the ongoing struggle she has faced in breaking out of the “glamorous girl” image that filmmakers have often confined her to. Known for her stunning looks and effortless screen presence, Sonam revealed that being typecast in the industry has been one of the biggest challenges of her career.
In a candid conversation, Sonam shared that despite her versatility and desire to take on layered, performance-driven roles, most Bollywood filmmakers only saw her through the lens of beauty and glamour. “I’ve often felt that people in the Hindi film industry saw me just as a glamorous face. They didn’t always see the performer behind that image. It’s frustrating when your potential is boxed into one narrow perception,” she said.
“I Had to Work Twice as Hard to Be Taken Seriously”
The Carry On Jatta 3 actress, who has balanced both Punjabi blockbusters and selective Hindi projects, said that she had to put in double the effort to prove that she was more than just her looks. “It’s not easy to convince filmmakers that you can do more. When you come from a regional film industry, people already have certain assumptions about your range. And when you look a certain way, they think you’re meant only for glamorous parts,” she explained.
Sonam admitted that while she is proud of her glamorous image, she has always craved roles that allow her to showcase emotional depth and complexity. “I don’t mind being called glamorous — I take that as a compliment — but I also want to play characters that challenge me. I want to be vulnerable, raw, even unrecognizable if that’s what the role demands,” she said.
Struggles of an Outsider in Bollywood
The actress also touched upon the reality of being an outsider in Bollywood and how it makes the journey even more demanding. “I didn’t have anyone here to guide me or push my name forward. Everything I’ve done has been from scratch, through my own hard work. So when you’re not from a film family and people still refuse to see your full potential, it hurts — but it also pushes you to prove them wrong,” Sonam shared.
She added that her experiences in Punjabi cinema helped her grow as an actor and gave her the space to experiment. “In the Punjabi industry, I’ve been blessed with opportunities where I could truly act, not just look good. There’s more creative freedom there, and people trust you with different kinds of stories,” she said.
Breaking Stereotypes, One Role at a Time
Over the years, Sonam Bajwa has established herself as one of the most bankable and talented actresses in Punjabi cinema, with hits like Sardaar Ji 2, Nikka Zaildar, and Ardab Mutiyaran. Her performances have often balanced charm, humor, and emotional authenticity — proving that she is much more than a pretty face.
Reflecting on her journey, she said, “It took time, but I’ve started getting scripts that go beyond glamour. People are beginning to notice that I can carry a story emotionally. I’m grateful for that. I think audiences today appreciate authenticity more than ever before, and that’s helping actors like me break stereotypes.”
“I Want to Inspire Other Women in the Industry”
Sonam also shared a heartfelt message for other actresses facing similar struggles. “Don’t let anyone define your worth or limit your range. It’s okay to start where people see only your beauty — but make sure you end up showing them your brilliance,” she advised.
She emphasized that her ultimate goal is to inspire women to own their journeys unapologetically, regardless of the obstacles they face. “The world might see you one way, but you can always rewrite your own story. That’s what I’m trying to do, one film at a time,” she said with determination.
Fans Praise Sonam’s Honesty and Resilience
After her remarks surfaced, fans took to social media to applaud her honesty and resilience. Many praised her for acknowledging the harsh realities of typecasting in Bollywood, calling her “real,” “strong,” and “an inspiration for self-made women.”
Sonam’s journey continues to reflect the balance between perseverance and passion — a reminder that true talent eventually shines through, no matter how long it takes.
