Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma has congratulated Yami Gautam after she won the Best Actress award at the 72nd National Film Awards for her performance in Article 370. While the honour itself was significant, Varma said it was the actor’s years of perseverance and unwavering belief in her work that impressed him the most. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the veteran director shared a heartfelt message celebrating Yami’s professional journey rather than focusing solely on the trophy.
“I don’t and never believed in the concept of awards, but I do believe in the power of recognition, especially when it comes from many years of sincerity along with an unwavering commitment to one’s craft,” he wrote.
‘Your journey is greater than the award’
Varma said the National Award was especially meaningful because Article 370 was more than just another film in Yami’s career. According to him, it was a project she believed in deeply and performed with conviction.
Reflecting on the road that led to the honour, he wrote that Yami’s success was built over years of hard work, resilience and faith.
“The National Award could certainly feel like an incredible honour to you, but I am personally more impressed with the journey that led you to it—the struggles, the perseverance, the risks, the faith and the refusal to give up,” Varma said, adding that he believes there are “many more buildings to come” in her career.