Yami Gautam, who has recently been lauded for her spellbinding performance in Haq, revealed that despite her success there were moments when she felt alienated in the film industry. In a candid 2023 interview with Galatta Plus, the actor confessed that being in Bollywood wasn’t always seamless.
“I won’t deny that there have been times when you feel unwelcome, where you felt not a part of this” Yami said. “For that you do not need anyone to tell you. Just that one look is enough that you are not there yet.”
However, Yami credits her resilience to the constant support of her family. She became emotional as she shared “But then… my family. It is a very emotional thing for me. Not because of the journey but I feel very blessed to have the family that I have. One phone call to my mom, my sister and now I have Aditya [Dhar]. We both share the same value system. If I am not so social then he is not so social to another level.”
Her current partner, director Aditya Dhar has been a pillar of support, standing by her during the industry’s highs and lows. This emotional backing combined with her own talent has helped her carve a space for herself, particularly with Haq.
The film which premiered on Netflix a few weeks ago has garnered critical acclaim. Industry heavyweights like Karan Johar and Alia Bhatt have publicly praised Yami’s performance. Karan wrote on social media “I don’t think I have been this moved by a performance in many, many years… Her silences, her stares, her last monologue and her stance throughout the film is a master class of craft and conviction.” Alia too, called Yami personally to commend her craft.
Haq is a courtroom drama inspired by the life and legal battle of Shah Bano Begum. Her landmark case in 1985 granted divorced Muslim women the right to maintenance, a verdict that reshaped legal precedent in India. Directed by Suparn Verma the film traces the journey of a woman confronting societal norms and fighting for her rightful dues
For Yami, the film isn’t just a performance, it’s a statement. Despite the moments of doubt and alienation, she continues to rise, proving that talent backed by conviction and the right support can silence even the coldest stares.