Fatima Sana Shaikh is carving a niche for herself in Bollywood, showcasing her versatility and willingness to embrace diverse roles that challenge societal norms. Fresh from her role in Netflix's Aap Jaisa Koi, where she portrayed a character exploring age-appropriate love, Shaikh is now set to bring a "feminine gaze" to Manish Malhotra's production, Ul Jalool Ishq, now titled Gustaakh Ishq. This film promises to be a significant step in her career, allowing her to further explore complex characters and narratives.

Shaikh's journey in the film industry began as a child artist with roles in films like Chachi 420 and One 2 Ka 4. However, it was her portrayal of the wrestler Geeta Phogat in the blockbuster sports drama Dangal (2016) that brought her widespread recognition. Since then, she has appeared in a variety of projects, including Ludo, Ajeeb Daastaans, Modern Love Mumbai, Dhak Dhak, Sam Bahadur, and Metro... In Dino.

Gustaakh Ishq, directed by Vibhu Puri, also stars Naseeruddin Shah, Vijay Varma, and Sharib Hashmi. The film's music is composed by Vishal Bhardwaj, with lyrics by Gulzar, adding to the anticipation surrounding this cinematic gem. Gustaakh Ishq is produced by Manish Malhotra under his Stage5 Production banner, with his brother Dinesh Malhotra as co-producer. The film is set in the sepia-toned alleys of Purani Dilli and the crumbling charm of Punjab's old kothis. It aims to blend classic storytelling with contemporary cinematic approaches.

The recently released song "Ul Jalool Ishq" from Gustaakh Ishq, sung by Shilpa Rao and Papon, captures the romance and intensity at the heart of the film. The visuals and lyrics reflect the playful, innocent connection between Fatima Sana Shaikh and Vijay Varma, who are collaborating on a love story for the first time.

Malhotra's decision to advance the song's release was driven by the enthusiastic response to the film's teaser. This demonstrates the audience's eagerness for the film and the fresh pairing of Shaikh and Varma. The film is scheduled to release in theaters worldwide on November 21, 2025.

Gustaakh Ishq marks a significant step for Manish Malhotra, known for his work as a fashion designer, as he steps into the role of a producer. He launched Stage5 Production in September 2023, with Train From Chhapraula and Bun Tikki as its earlier projects. Malhotra sees cinema as his first canvas, a world of drama, dreams, and timeless beauty. Gustaakh Ishq is described as a cinematic ode that looks back at the magic of classic storytelling while stepping boldly into the future of Indian cinema.

Fatima Sana Shaikh's choice of roles reflects her desire to portray women with agency and depth. In Aap Jaisa Koi, she challenged societal norms by portraying a character in an age-gap relationship. Her performance was appreciated by critics and audiences alike. Now, with Gustaakh Ishq, she has the opportunity to further explore the complexities of love and relationships through the lens of a female character.

Shaikh's career has had its share of ups and downs. After the failure of Thugs of Hindostan, she faced a period of self-doubt and professional challenges. However, she has persevered, using therapy and the support of her peers to regain her confidence. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and determination to succeed in the film industry.