Post by : Meena Ariff

Actor Yami Gautam has finally addressed being called a “nationalist” by some sections of social media and the film industry due to her recent movie choices. Speaking at the trailer launch of her upcoming courtroom drama Haq, the actor dismissed the label with humor and grace, emphasizing that she prefers to focus on her craft rather than external tags.

“People will always have something to say.”

During the interaction, Yami was asked about her string of recent roles in films such as Article 370, Uri: The Surgical Strike, Lost, and A Thursday — projects often perceived as patriotic or socially driven. When questioned about being branded a “nationalist actor,” Yami said she wasn’t even aware of such a label and doesn’t give it much thought.

“Label hai, mujhe pata bhi nahi hai (There’s a label—I don’t even know what it is). People will always have something to say. If not this label, then something else. Earlier, it was ‘underrated’, before that, something else. It keeps shifting,” she said with a smile.

The actor added that she doesn’t engage with such categorizations. “Main woh sab nahi samajhti hun (I don’t understand these things),” she noted, reinforcing her focus on storytelling and the intent behind her work.

“Stories have their own identity and purpose.”

Yami elaborated that she chooses films that offer meaningful stories, regardless of their perceived tone or political interpretation. She highlighted that her aim as an artist is to connect with audiences across all segments — from metropolitan viewers to small-town cinema-goers.

“The stories I’m getting have their own identity and importance. They deserve to be told through entertainment. We could have made documentaries, but we are in the entertainment business, which caters to all audiences — tier 1, tier 2, tier 3. The goal is to connect people and bring fresh narratives,” Yami explained.

The Article 370 actor further added that she respects audience perception — whether positive or critical — as long as her work sparks engagement. “If you watch a story and like it, it’s a good film. If you think something else, you are a different kind of audience — and I respect that too,” she said.

A career built on conviction

Yami Gautam, who made her Bollywood debut with Vicky Donor (2012), has steadily built a reputation for taking up performance-driven roles. Over the past few years, she has gravitated toward content-led cinema that often touches upon real issues or strong female narratives.

Her 2022 film A Thursday portrayed a woman taking control of her narrative under extreme circumstances, while Article 370 explored the political landscape of Kashmir through a fictionalized bureaucratic lens. Both films earned her praise for balancing intensity with restraint, even as online discourse occasionally linked her choices with “nationalist” themes.

Despite such commentary, Yami remains firm about her creative independence. Industry insiders often describe her as an actor who lets her performances speak louder than the surrounding narratives.

Haq: Inspired by a landmark case

Yami’s upcoming release, Haq, adds yet another socially charged story to her filmography. Directed by Suparn S Varma and written by Reshu Nath, the film draws inspiration from the landmark 1985 Shah Bano vs. Ahmed Khan case that redefined women’s rights and legal reform in India.

The movie stars Emraan Hashmi opposite Yami, along with Vartika Singh, Danish Husain, and Sheeba Chadha in pivotal roles. Produced by Vineet Jain, Haq is slated for release on November 7, 2025.

Set in the backdrop of personal law and constitutional justice, the film reportedly explores themes of equality, faith, and the right to dignity. According to early buzz, Yami plays a lawyer fighting for women’s rights — a role that aligns with her recent streak of socially conscious characters.

Balancing art and perception

In an industry where actors are often scrutinized for their choices, Yami’s calm and thoughtful response to being labeled a “nationalist” underscores her professionalism. She neither disowns nor endorses the tag but places her faith in the integrity of storytelling.

As she continues to experiment with roles that blend realism and entertainment, Yami seems focused on maintaining a fine balance between audience appeal and artistic intent. Her stance serves as a reminder that, in today’s polarized discourse, actors can choose to let their work — not labels — define them.

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