Actress Yami Gautam has spoken out following online speculation that she had liked a controversial Instagram reel mocking Kriti Sanon’s recent Best Actress award. Clarifying the matter, Yami explained that the like was accidental and stressed she did not intend to criticize her industry colleague.
In a detailed statement, Yami shared that she is tagged in numerous posts daily, which can sometimes lead to unintentional interactions. She emphasized, “It has come to my notice that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor. We get tagged in multiple things every day, and this appeared during an award-function reference like any other tag. It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously; if anything, it may have been clicked accidentally.”
The actress further asserted her integrity, adding, “Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on.” She also criticized the sensationalism surrounding the incident, stating, “In the world of clickbait, it’s tempting for even dignified social media portals to harp on this and turn it into coffee-table gossip. But I would hope they would consider that I have earned a better reputation than that.”
Yami concluded by reaffirming her focus on her craft, noting, “I have no PR team, have respectfully cleared my stance on entertainment award shows long ago, and remain focused on my work.”
Background of the Incident
The controversy stemmed from a viral Instagram reel featuring a clip of Kriti Sanon celebrating her Best Actress award, paired with an older interview of Yami Gautam with THR India, in which she said, “You try everything, and it still doesn’t work. So, I’ve stopped seeking validation. If I get that award, then I am a good actress, and otherwise, I’m not. Nothing like that.” The reel questioned whether Sanon’s win was fair, with the added implication that Yami’s past comments could be relevant.
Once the reel gained popularity, eagle-eyed social media users noticed Yami’s like on the post, prompting widespread discussion and screenshots shared on platforms like Reddit.
On the professional front, Yami Gautam continues to earn praise for her recent performance in the film Haq, alongside Emraan Hashmi.