Mumbai: Bollywood actress Yami Gautam has addressed the recent controversy surrounding her “like” on a social media post that appeared to criticize Kriti Sanon’s Zee Cine Awards win. In a detailed statement on X (formerly Twitter), Yami Gautam explained that the action was accidental and not a deliberate comment on her fellow actress.
The controversy arose after Yami Gautam liked a Reel showing Kriti Sanon accepting the Best Actress award for Tere Ishq Mein. The Reel juxtaposed Gautam’s earlier remarks about stepping away from seeking validation from awards: “You try everything, and it still doesn’t work. So, I’ve stopped seeking any kind of validation. If I get that award, then I am a good actress, and otherwise, I’m not. Nothing like that.” The Reel concluded with the question, “Is it fair?” prompting mixed reactions online.
Yami Gautam Explains the Situation
Responding to the criticism, Yami Gautam said that as an actor, she is tagged in numerous posts every day, and the “like” was likely accidental. She clarified, “It has come to my notice that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor. We get tagged in multiple things every day, and this appeared during an award-function reference like any other tag. It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously; if anything, it may have been clicked accidentally.”
It has come to my notice that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor. We get tagged in multiple things every day, and this appeared during an award-function reference like any other tag. It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously, if…
— Yami Gautam Dhar (@yamigautam) March 5, 2026
She further emphasized her commitment to professionalism, stating that she has never resorted to cheap PR tactics and has always focused on her work rather than chasing awards. Yami Gautam added, “Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on. In the world of clickbait, it’s tempting for even dignified social media portals to harp on this and turn it into coffee-table gossip. But I would hope they would consider that I have earned a better reputation than that.”
Also read : Who is Saaniya Chandok? Meet Arjun Tendulkar’s Wife and Founder of Mr Paws Pet Spa
No PR Team, Just Focus on Work
Yami Gautam concluded her statement by asserting that she has no PR team and remains focused on her craft. She wrote, “I have no PR team, have respectfully cleared my stance on entertainment award shows long ago, and remain focused on my work.” The actress also used a folded-hand emoji to signal humility and sincerity.
Mixed Reactions from Fans
The clarification sparked varied reactions from internet users. While many fans expressed trust in her, some questioned the need for a lengthy explanation. Comments included:
- “When something is definitely accidental, it usually doesn’t need an ESSAY to defend it.”
- “In Yami, we trust.”
- “You don’t owe any explanation to anyone, Yami. They are just creating controversy using your name. Yet your graceful explanation says a lot about the strength of your character. Your honesty is admirable.”
- “Honestly, you didn’t even need to clarify this, we all know you better than that. People read way too much into random likes and turn it into drama when it’s usually just a tap while scrolling.”
- “Keep two separate social media accounts. One for posting and a private for scrolling and activities,” suggested another user.
This episode highlights Yami Gautam’s calm and mature handling of social media controversies while reaffirming her focus on her professional work rather than online controversies or award recognition.