The actresses who made their debut around 2010-12, such as Alia Bhatt, Shraddha Kapoor, Parineeti Chopra, and Sonakshi Sinha, often come to mind when discussing this period in Bollywood. However, one name that tends to fly under the radar is Yami Gautam, who also entered the industry during this time. Her latest film, ‘Dhoom Dham’, has just been released on Netflix, and it’s giving audiences a healthy dose of comedy alongside Prateek Gandhi. Although the reviews are mixed, the public is pleasantly surprised by Yami’s comedic turn in the film.
It’s not new for Yami to surprise her audience, though. You could say she’s built her career on this ability to astonish. Unlike some of her peers, Yami hasn’t relied on controversies or over-the-top PR campaigns to stay in the spotlight. Instead, she’s focused on doing her job and letting her work speak for itself. Perhaps the reason we don’t see more of her on screen is that she’s been quietly impressing us all along, and there are many reasons for this.
Yami’s first film, ‘Vicky Donor’, was a surprise hit back in 2012. Released in April of that year, it preceded Alia Bhatt’s debut in Karan Johar’s film by a few months. ‘Vicky Donor’ tackled the sensitive topic of sperm donation with humor, and Yami’s character added emotional depth to the story. She played the wife of a sperm donor who couldn’t become a mother, and her plot was instrumental in conveying the film’s message. This role not only showcased her acting talent but also earned her ‘Best Debut’ awards and nominations in several popular Bollywood award shows.
After ‘Vicky Donor’, Yami struggled to find her next big project. Her subsequent films, ‘Total Siyapaa’ and ‘Action Jackson’, didn’t quite hit the mark. In a later interview, she confessed that she felt lost after her first film’s success, unsure of which direction to take her career. She was torn between staying true to herself and capitalizing on the opportunities that came her way. It took her some time to find her footing and develop her unique voice.
Yami’s next notable role was in ‘Badlapur’, where she played Varun Dhawan’s wife, albeit a character who dies at the beginning of the film. Although her screen time was limited, the film was a hit, and it marked a turning point for Yami three years after her debut. She went on to star in the romantic dramas ‘Sanam Re’ and ‘Junooniyat’ in 2016, both of which unfortunately flopped. However, her role in ‘Kaabil’ (2017) alongside Hrithik Roshan was widely praised, and she played a blind girl with remarkable nuance. ‘Kaabil’ can be seen as the film that once again highlighted Yami’s acting prowess, much like ‘Vicky Donor’ did earlier in her career.
In ‘Batti Gul Meter Chalu’, Yami played a supporting role as a lawyer, and her performance was one of the film’s few redeeming qualities. This period in her career was marked by a mix of highs and lows, but Yami persisted, slowly building a reputation as a talented and versatile actress.
The year 2019 proved to be a game-changer for Yami. Her film ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ released early that year, and although Vicky Kaushal was the main highlight in the trailer, Yami’s role as an undercover RAW officer left audiences surprised and impressed. Later that year, she starred in ‘Bala’, playing a social media influencer with remarkable accuracy, capturing the character’s body language and gestures with ease. Her performances in both films garnered widespread praise, marking a significant turning point in her career.
During the lockdown, Yami appeared in several OTT projects, including the romantic comedy ‘Ginny Weds Sunny’, where she played a vibrant girl, and ‘A Thursday’, where she showcased her range in a darker role. Her performance in ‘Dasvi’ alongside Abhishek Bachchan was also commendable, and her role in the thriller ‘Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga’ was noteworthy.
In 2023, Yami made a strong comeback to the big screen with ‘OMG 2’, playing a lawyer who showcased the negative side of the story with conviction. Her next big solo hit was ‘Article 370’, where she starred as an NIA special agent, performing fierce action sequences and receiving accolades for her performance. The film, which tackled a political issue, did exceptionally well at the box office, collecting over 100 crore gross worldwide. Yami’s success in these films, alongside her strong performances in previous projects, has cemented her position as a talented and bankable actress.
Since 2019, Yami has appeared in four significant box office hits, a feat that not many of her contemporaries can match. When compared to actresses like Parineeti Chopra and Sonakshi Sinha, who have struggled to find strong characters and success in recent years, Yami’s trajectory stands out. Alia Bhatt and Shraddha Kapoor, who debuted around the same time as Yami, have had their share of successes, but Yami’s ability to carry a film on her shoulders, as seen in ‘Article 370’, is a rare quality.
Whether it’s comedy, action, or drama, Yami has consistently demonstrated her acting range and ability to surprise her audience. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take on diverse roles have made her a strong and versatile actress who deserves more recognition on the big screen. As she continues to push boundaries and challenge herself with each new project, it’s clear that Yami Gautam is here to stay, and her talent will undoubtedly continue to impress and inspire audiences for years to come.
