Exclusive: “What you put in comes back to you,” says Yami Gautam

Yami Gautam: She’s more than just an actor; she’s a symbol of empowerment, resilience and versatility. From gripping performances in powerful roles to embracing the joys of motherhood, Yami’s journey resonates with sincerity and passion. She breaks stereotypes and challenges norms with each role she undertakes, carving a path for herself in the industry. Yet, amidst the glitz and glam, she remains grounded, rooted in family values and is driven by a desire to make a difference. Here’s what we learned as we delved into the life and career of this dynamic star.

What was it about the script of Article 370 that got you on board?

I still remember that moment in 2019. We watched the news on TV and saw it Article 370 in the Parliament. So, I went back to that moment and recalled how I felt at that time. To have a film now being made on the subject and to have a role based on someone’s life during such a monumental chapter in our political history was simply awesome. I wasn’t going to let go of the opportunity to portray that on-screen and bring it alive for our audience.

What were the challenges you faced physically while preparing for this role, considering you were pregnant at the time?

We had a team of doctors on set. So in that sense we were careful. I was really excited to undergo the training required for the role. I was given a docket containing correct names and designations. We had a military supervisor, Lt. Col. Keshavendra Singh Ji, and Bhushan Sir from the NSG (National Security Guard), who were training us with weapons. I had Mustafa Ahmed, who was in charge of physical training. The training started with basic things. They taught us how to hold the guns correctly, at rest and during combat. Those drills made us comfortable with the weapon. It was supposed to be hard and challenging but, beyond the pain, the motivation was that I was portraying somebody really important. So, that kept me on my toes. One day we got to visit NSG in Mumbai and had one practice firing session. It was one of the best days of my life. Just being around them for one day was something else. The other part which was amazing was the mental preparation to understand the character. To sketch the character from scratch and bring Zuni to life was an intensive process. I didn’t take shortcuts. Whatever I felt while reading the script, I jotted down each emotion and worked on it.

Every actor needs some sort of motivation. What’s yours?

The desire to win the trust of my directors. They should be open to giving me any kind of role knowing that I’ll do justice to it. It’s been a great journey for me. I have taken it step by step. Nothing goes unnoticed here. Your karma, what you put in, comes back to you, so I am happy that this is the time that I can give voice to my choices.

What do you feel about the kinds of roles you are receiving currently?

At the end of the day, it really depends on your relevance in today’s time. Are you relevant because of your talent? Or because of social media? Or are you relevant because of the new-age paparazzi culture? For me, it’s about getting roles that are versatile and have substance, which means taking a direction where my equity is not dependent on anyone or my male counterpart. I am chasing good stories and good roles, not projects. You have to get to a position where you are not easily replaceable. That takes work. And I am happy to put in that extra work.

Does playing powerful roles empower you as a woman?

They both go hand in hand. That’s how I see women’s empowerment and the portrayal of female characters on screen. Whatever you seek, it kind of stems from the frame of mind you are in, right? The kind of roles I am choosing don’t have to be the most politically correct characters. They could be flawed, or they could be great. All these roles and all these shades will be somewhere, in my head, an extension of how I see today’s women.

What kind of cinema do you want to associate yourself with?

The kind I am doing right now. I am doing everything I can. But there has to be scope for performance; apart from the fact that the role is entertaining, it’s an engaging watch. Something like Article 370, where I am playing a character that is based on someone’s real life. I am chasing such characters. Change your path, break the pattern and do something else when you become too comfortable doing a certain thing. So that’s why my next film, Dhoom Dham, will be in a different zone from Article 370.

How tough is it to make your mark in this male-dominated industry?

Of course, it’s challenging. And it has been like that for years. That has been the economic structure, right? It’s business at the end of the day. Like, where is the money coming from? Who’s getting the audience to the theaters? And because at that time the characters were written in a certain way, the casting was done in a certain way and women’s roles were portrayed in a certain way, That is how some things became part of the structure. When it comes to a female actor, the budgets are tighter as compared to a male actor. So it all comes down to the business side of it.

Do you feel that things are changing now?

Change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time. And we have already come a long way. We’ve seen times when actresses would not be comfortable sharing their marital status. Because it would affect their career. But now those things are changing. And that change will only come when we are more aware. When we tell the creators that we want to play better roles. It’s a constant process and it can’t be sporadic. I won’t ask my audience to watch the film because it’s a female-driven film. It has to be a good film. If I am here in business, I have to compete like a professional. I can’t make it a story about gender. Because it is a female-led script, you have to support it. No. They can support it, but I can’t sustain it if I am not good. I hope writers write better roles and better scripts, which is happening now. Directors and producers are more open to such roles and such films being made.

Tell us about your husband, Aditya Dhar. How supportive has he been of your career?

I didn’t realise it was almost three years of marriage until I read it in an article. Of course, he is such a caring person. I am fortunate to have Aditya as my life partner. He’s someone who believes in empowering you, encouraging you, and someone who is rooting for you and adding wings too. You are already fluttering.

What are the similarities between you and Aditya?

We are both rooted, family-oriented people. We are both similar in our ethics and values. So we really uphold these things and value what we have. And we both are very private people.

Does he share equal responsibilities with you?

Aditya is not someone who belongs to that school of thought; this is my responsibility and that is your responsibility. Whatever it is, we’re in a relationship; we are partners and companions for life. So, it’s not that this is your department and that is mine. Everything is ours, together.

Has he ever cooked for you?

My mother has tasted more dishes cooked by Aditya than I have cooked in my entire life. I started learning to cook after getting inspired by him. I do a decently good job, whenever there is time. That’s the way a relationship should be.

What would your relationship advice be?

There are no hard-and-fast rules. Be more giving, be more generous and be more loving. Don’t overthink. Be real; be as close to reality as possible. It’s life, don’t take things so seriously; just go with the flow. Nothing can substitute for your family. It should always be family first.

You’ve recently announced your pregnancy. Your thoughts on that…

Motherhood gives you a different kind of confidence and power. I am enjoying balancing my work. I have Aditya and my family by my side and am blessed to be doing what I love. Of course, I’m being careful and cautious too but not overthinking things that are not required.