Some love stories become legends. Others become history. Ishqnama starting Shehnaaz Gill and Jai Randhawa promises to be both. The much-awaited trailer of Arvvindr S. Khaira’s Punjabi period romance Ishqnama has finally been unveiled in Punjab, transporting audiences into one of the most poignant cross-border love stories to emerge from the pages of history. Headlined by Jai, Shehnaaz along with Saurabh Sachdeva, the film is set to release across India, Canada and the UK on 24 July 2026.
Inspired by the extraordinary true story of Nimma and Nasima, and adapted from the acclaimed book Hind Pak Bordernama, Ishqnama unfolds between 1981 and 1988 along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab. At its heart lies the romance of Nimma, a young Sikh poet from Indian Punjab, and Naseema, a Muslim girl from Pakistani Punjab, whose love dares to survive the scars left behind by Partition.
What makes the story even more extraordinary is that the poet is still alive and lives in India, while Naseema is believed to have later moved to England, with efforts currently underway to trace her—making Ishqnama a love story, but one rooted in living history.
The trailer offers sweeping visuals, soul-stirring music and emotionally charged moments that position Ishqnama as an epic romance where love becomes an act of rebellion against borders and destiny itself.
Making his feature directorial debut after redefining the visual language of Indian music videos for over a decade, director Arvvindr S. Khaira said, “For a decade, I poured the vastness of human heartbreak into four-minute melodies, but some stories refuse to be contained by a song. They demand a bigger canvas. Ishqnama is that story. It is the raw reality of Nimma and Nasima, whose love rewrote history. This trailer is a glimpse of our labour if love, and we are honoured to be handing it over to you.”
Shehnaaz Gill says, “As an actor, playing Naseema feels like a new birth to me. The biggest blessing in an artist’s life is dealing with something that challenges them; I’m so grateful that I got to do that with Ishqnama. It shook me out of my comfort zone. This is a larger-than-life old-school romance that paints love as a revolution. Here’s a true story of true lovers, who fought for each other with everything they had. With the release of this trailer, I feel like I am sharing a piece of my own artistic rebirth. I dedicate this to anyone who has been in love. “
Jai Randhawa says, “There couldn’t have been a more meaningful place to unveil the trailer of Ishqnama than Punjab. This land has shaped me and given me an identity that I will forever be grateful for. The love I’ve received here over the years is beyond anything I can put into words, and to be here alongside Shehnaaz and Arvindrr artists who have been showered with the same unconditional affection made this launch very special. The story of this film goes beyond romance to explore sacrifice, longing, destiny, and the choices that define us. In many ways, bringing Nimma to life is my humble way of thanking the audience that has stood by me through every phase of my journey. Whatever I am today is because of their faith and love. I sincerely hope that this first glimpse of Ishqnama makes them proud.”
Directed by Arvvindr S. Khaira and produced by Sourabh Rana. Ishqnama is a period romance inspired by an extraordinary true story adapted from the book Hind Pak Bordernama; the film stars Jai Randhawa, Shehnaaz Gill, Saurabh Sachdeva, along with a talented ensemble cast. The music for Ishqnama has been composed by B Praak, with lyrics by Jaani. It is slated for a worldwide release across India, Canada and the UK on 24 July 2026.
