Close to completing a decade of playing diverse and substantial roles, Yami Gautam Dhar firmly believes that every actor is a star in their might. And, that it’s the brilliance that makes one stand out in the audience’s eyes. This intriguing perspective and innate charm make her a delight to talk to. As we get on a breezy hour-long chat, Yami flashes a broad smile and shows child-like excitement when congratulated for her incredible performance in the latest OTT release, A Thursday.
“Initially, I didn’t know where to begin preparing for the role as there were no references available. It took a lot of reading sessions, improvisations, marking all the nuances and late-night voice notes to my director (she laughs). I had to work on eye movement for a smooth transition from a menacing first half to a more empathetic second half of the film. It was quite an emotional journey,” she recalls.
With a track record of power-packed performances in Vicky Donor, Kaabil, Bala and URI, Yami’s collaborative approach speaks volumes about her evolution as an actor. “I had to work extremely hard and be patient, to be able to reach this stage in my career. Filmmaking is never about individual performance. I try to dive into the 360-degree dimension of a script, from how the film will be shot, its background score, to editing. When you think of these things in totality and give in to the process, it sharpens your perspective and the understanding of emotions and character gets better. All of this translates into better performance,” she adds.
Yami’s known to have a mind and voice of her own; what does it take to bring one’s most authentic self to the fore, I ask her. “I can bare my soul only with people I connect with. The complexities of social pressure are beyond my comprehension! Why do you have to put yourself out there all the time? Not that I am calling out anyone—to each his own,” she believes. Yami is all for living life on her own terms and doesn’t let industry pressure alter her ideologies.
Yami recently had an intimate, traditional wedding but even that was much talked about. “I would’ve opted for a minimal wedding even if it weren’t during a pandemic. I would have still worn my mother’s sari, my grandmother’s nath, dupatta and the aatheru (traditional Kashmiri ear ornament) given by my in-laws. For those who think wedding ceremonies have to be done in a certain way, it’s high time to break away from the societal stereotypes—it’s your day, you decide what makes you happy! I’m lucky to have a partner who is in sync with my views.”
On Yami Gautam: Incarnation ruched dress by Aroka, Timeless Revere statement studs by Rare Heritage. Wordly heels by Steve Madden.
On Yami Gautam: Full look by Label Ritu Kumar, Diamond necklaces, white diamond bangle, gold diamond bangle, and diamond rings, all by Tanishq Jewellery. Diamond ring by Mia by Tanishq.
On Yami Gautam: Emerald green embroidered dress with a draped bow by Gauri&Nainika. Sariah necklace, Katherine set necklace and earrings, all by Anayah Jewellery. Tennis chain 2mm, Cluster Tennis chain, and Tennis bracelet, all by Zillionaire. Wordly heels by Steve Madden.
On Yami Gautam: Envy suit by Rara Avis by Sonal Verma. Oh Poppi bolt layered necklace, Oh Poppi tuberose stud earrings, Oh Poppi clump ring, and Oh Poppi bolt ring, all by Outhouse Jewellery. OKURR bright green heels by Aldo.
Content director & Editor: Kamna Malik, Photographer: Kay Sukumar, Fashion Editor: Zoha Castelino,
Hair: Gabriel Georgiou, Make-up: Mitali Vakil, Art direction: Sanjana Suvarna,
Production: CutLoose Productions, Editorial Assistant: Aliza Fatma,
Assisted by: Komal Shetty, Priyuta Sodiwala, Artist’s management agency: Raindrop Media
