Q+A with Yami Gautam | Dream run

Q+A with Yami Gautam | Dream run

Q. Article 370 turned the action drama genre on its head by featuring two women as central characters. How reassuring was it to see it do well?

While it is not a docudrama, it had to be a film that is authentic and engaging. There’s no song or tropes [of commercial cinema] and the character took precedence over the star. The casting was a gamble because today’s market is difficult and having certain names brings saleability and money on the table. Aditya [Dhar, producer and Yami’s husband] loves anti-casting—not imagining the obvious. He was sure he wanted to mount a film on us [Yami and Priyamani]. We underestimate our audience. The audience is ready and the pressure is on us to do it well.

Q. With hits like A Thursday and Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga on streaming, you earned a following. OMG 2 and now Article 370 saw you back in cinemas. Are the barriers between the two formats diminishing?

I never chose any of my films thinking ‘this is great for OTT or [this for] theatrical’. I chose them for what they were and the roles I wanted to portray. I am thankful that OTT allowed me to express myself through the work I wanted to do. But watching myself on the big screen will always be my first love.

Q. Uri, Article 370 and Dhoom Dhaam later this year. Apart from being Aditya’s wife, are you also his muse?

When it comes to work, there’s nothing personal that will come in the way. It’s not that anything and everything he comes up with, I will be like ‘I see myself in it’. It is only when he feels that I am required. He is one of the best directors I have worked with and he says I am one of his best students because I listen carefully to my directors.

Q. How are you enjoying the pregnancy-related hiatus?

I am on the brink of entering a new phase of my life, and both Aditya and I are really excited. I am happy with the success of Article 370 given it’s the first title under B62 Studios. I am resting, enjoying and eating well. I am reading Ramayana and Amar Chitra Katha, listening to Hanuman Chalisa and watching my upcoming release Dhoom Dhaam, bits of Andaz Apna Apna and Interstellar. I feel my baby is happy with my viewing choices.

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