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Becoming the Queen of Pollywood demands dedication, humility, empathy, and grace, especially over the years. On Tuesday, Neeru Bajwa showcased these qualities and more during the trailer launch of Jawaak in Mohali, where she shared the stage with her young co-stars — Guri Ghuman, Prisha Sharma, Kulraj Bhangra, and Jaivik Wadhwa.

As a prominent figure in Punjabi cinema, Neeru ventures into deeply personal themes with Jawaak. The film, which features child actors, emphasizes the importance of storytelling alongside the need to listen, learn, and unlearn. At its heart lies a pressing message: today’s children often feel overwhelmed, and adults frequently fail to truly hear their voices. Neeru openly discusses this gap, noting that many parents are so focused on fostering high achievers that they overlook their children's genuine desires. “We often think we know everything and dominate conversations, neglecting the vital aspect of listening,” she shares, reflecting on her role as a mother to three daughters.

This realization, she admits, has developed over time. Working on the film and observing her own children led her to reevaluate her parenting approach. She acknowledges the immense pressure parents place on themselves in a competitive society, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy. Neeru recalls the temptation to overload her children with activities, only to discover that more isn’t necessarily better. “Eight hours of school is already a lot. Why add more?” she questions. Her current philosophy is straightforward: ask her children what they want and truly listen. She reminisces about her own less structured childhood, where her parents were often busy, leaving her and her siblings to entertain themselves. “Those were simple, joyful times,” she reflects.

Now in India for an extended shoot and promotional activities, Neeru has brought her six-year-old twin daughters along with their grandmother. “I’ve kept their schedule simple — just an hour of tuition and an hour of bhangra. The rest of the day is theirs to enjoy. I told them to have fun and do whatever they like,” she explains, emphasizing that this reset is crucial rather than indulgent.

For Neeru, the most precious gift a parent can give is time. “It’s not about being physically present while distracted by your laptop. It’s about creating lasting memories — moments they will cherish into adulthood,” she elaborates. While many parents grapple with screen time issues, she finds it less of a concern in her household. “Both my husband and I lead active lives. We dance with our kids and take long walks. You must set an example for them and demonstrate how to live well rather than just talk about it,” she advises. “Children don’t respond to pressure; they respond to joy.”

This relaxed atmosphere extended to the sets of Jawaak. Neeru describes her experience working with the young actors as incredibly rewarding. “I felt like this was their film. I was merely there to support them,” she states, impressed by their teamwork. “There were no egos, just collaboration,” she observes — a lesson adults could learn from.

Beyond parenting, Neeru contemplates modern dependencies, particularly the increasing reliance on technology for emotional guidance. She expresses concern that young people often seek relationship advice from AI tools instead of trusting their instincts. Her advice remains straightforward: think independently and stay in touch with your emotions.

Often praised for her youthful appearance, Neeru humbly brushes off the compliments, looking radiant in a vibrant parrot-hued suit. She champions self-care, especially for women balancing multiple responsibilities. Whether through fitness, dance, or personal time, she believes self-care is essential — not selfish. “A happy person fosters a happier family,” she asserts.

In many respects, Jawaak reflects Neeru’s own journey — transitioning from control to connection, and from expectation to empathy. It serves not only as a film about children but also as a reminder for adults to reconsider their interactions with them.

For Neeru, the message is clear: modern parenting demands humility. “We still have much to learn,” she concludes — and this willingness to grow may define this significant chapter in her life and career.

Jawaak is set to hit theaters on May 8, 2026.

The Talented Young Cast

Radiating joy alongside Neeru, young stars Guri Ghuman, Prisha Sharma, Kulraj Bhangra, and Jaivik Wadhwa shine as emerging talents. Guri, with nearly four years of acting experience, boasts close to 40 films to his name, while Kulraj, a bhangra enthusiast, often leads the Jawaak team in lively dance routines. Neeru affectionately refers to Prisha as ‘a joy’ on set. Meanwhile, Jaivik expresses his excitement, stating, “Working with the Queen of Pollywood has been a dream come true!”