It takes hard work, humility, empathy and grace to be the Queen of Pollywood — and even more to hold the reins across decades. On Tuesday, in Mohali, Neeru Bajwa embodied all of it and more, bringing star power and warmth to the trailer launch of Jawaak, where she shared the dais with four young co-stars — Guri Ghuman, Prisha Sharma, Kulraj Bhangra and Jaivik Wadhwa.Long regarded as one of Punjabi cinema’s most bankable stars, Neeru steps into deeply personal territory with Jawaak. The film, featuring child artistes, is as much about storytelling as it is about listening, learning and unlearning. At its core lies a simple, but urgent idea: children today are overwhelmed, and adults often fail to truly hear them. Neeru is candid about this disconnect. Many parents, she notes, are so focused on shaping high achievers that they overlook what their children actually want. “We often feel we know everything and keep talking, while missing out on listening —which is just as important a part of communication,” says the mother to three girls.This realisation, she admits, evolved over time. Working on the film — and observing her own children — prompted her to reassess parenting patterns. She also acknowledges the pressure parents place on themselves. In a hyper-competitive world, it’s easy to feel inadequate. Neeru recalls being tempted to overload her children with activities, only to realise more isn’t always better. “Eight hours of school is already a lot. Why overload them?” she says. Her approach now is simple: ask children what they want — and listen. Her own childhood, she adds, was far less structured. “My parents were mostly busy, so my two sisters, brother and I entertained ourselves. Those were simple, fun times,” she recallsNow in India for an extended shoot and promotions, she has brought her six-year-old twin daughters along with their nani. “I’ve kept it simple — an hour of tuition and an hour of bhangra. The rest of the day is theirs. I told them — have fun, do whatever you want,” she shares, calling this reset essential rather than indulgent.For Neeru, time is the most valuable gift a parent can offer. “It’s not about sitting with them while you’re on your laptop. It’s about creating memories — moments they carry into adulthood,” she explains. While many parents struggle with screen time, she says it isn’t a major concern at her household. “Both my husband and I lead active lifestyles. We dance with our children, go for long walks. You have to be an example for them and show them how to lead a good life rather than just talk about it,” she says. “Kids don’t respond to pressure — they respond to joy.”That sense of ease carried onto the sets of Jawaak. Neeru describes working with the young actors as deeply fulfilling. “I felt like this was their film. I was just there, supporting them,” she says. She was struck by their camaraderie. “No egos, just teamwork,” she notes — something she feels adults can learn from.Beyond parenting, Neeru reflects on modern dependencies, especially the growing reliance on technology for emotional answers. She finds it concerning that young people often turn to AI tools for relationship advice instead of trusting their instincts. Her advice remains simple: think independently and stay connected to your emotions.Often complimented on her ageless appearance, Neeru brushes it aside with a smile, looking resplendent in a striking parrot-hued suit. She advocates self-care, especially for women juggling multiple roles. Whether it’s fitness, dance or personal time, she believes it is essential — not selfish. “A happy individual creates a happier family,” she says.In many ways, Jawaak mirrors Neeru’s own journey — from control to connection, expectation to empathy. It is not just a film about children, but a reminder for adults to rethink how they engage with them.For Neeru, the message is clear: parenting today requires humility. “We still have a lot to learn,” she says — and that willingness to learn may define this most meaningful chapter of her life and career.Jawaak releases in cinemas on May 8, 2026.The talented ‘jawaaks’Beaming with joy besides Neeru, young talents Guri Ghuman, Prisha Sharma, Kulraj Bhangra and Jaivik Wadhwa shine as little trailblazers in their own right. Guri, with nearly four years in acting, already has close to 40 films to his credit, while Kulraj, a bhangra enthusiast, often leads the Jawaak team through energetic dance routines. Neeru affectionately calls Prisha ‘a joy’ on set. Meanwhile, Jaivik adds a heartfelt note, “Working with the Queen of Pollywood, my dream has come true!”