Yami Gautam is receiving a strong response for her latest film Haq, which was released theatrically today, November 7. Inspired by true events, the film sees Yami as Shazia, a woman who stands up for her rights and dignity after her husband (played by Emraan Hashmi) divorces her by saying talaq thrice. When asked if there were moments in her own life where she, too, had to put up a fight for her rights, Yami reflected on the broader changes she has witnessed in the film industry and the gradual evolution of women’s roles on screen.

The actress said, “I don’t want to use the word fight. Change, especially in an industry like ours, takes generations. In interviews, I’ve seen some of the top actresses speak about how many of their roles were often ornamental. I am not talking about all the actresses, but it’s very ornamental. But we want to do more in films, we want to be more important, and we want to be pivotal to the plot.”

She went on to credit the women who came before her for paving the way. Yami continued, “If you see the change from then to now, then we cannot credit just one person. Every actress has a contribution to it. Whether it is Smita ji, Shabana Azmi ji or Nutan ji, in every generation there have been actresses who have joined this cause- standing for what you feel, your dignity an importance in the industry.”