Yami Gautam-Kriti Sanon controversy: Actor Yami Gautam has finally addressed the online controversy surrounding a viral Instagram interaction that appeared to question Kriti Sanon’s recent Best Actress award win. For the unversed, this debate began after social media users noticed that the Vicky Donor actress had “liked” a reel comparing their respective films and performances.
Notably, her one like sparked widespread speculation about a potential rivalry between Yami and her industry peers. But that’s not actually true.
Yami Gautam responds to viral ‘like’ controversy
The controversy emerged when an Instagram reel began circulating online. The video featured Kriti Sanon holding an award for her performance in Tere Ishk Mein, while a quote from one of Yami’s earlier interviews appeared alongside visuals from her own film Haq. The reel seemed to question whether the award decision had been justified, quickly triggering heated debates among fans.
Soon after, internet users noticed that Yami’s account had liked the reel. The interaction immediately sparked gossip, with many interpreting it as a subtle criticism of Kriti’s win.
However, the actor has now clarified that the action was not intentional.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Yami explained that the interaction happened accidentally. “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,” she wrote.
Yami Gautam breaks silence on viral ‘like’ controversy linked to Kriti Sanon’s Best Actress win
‘I’ve never relied on cheap PR tactics’
In the same statement, the actress also dismissed speculation that the incident was a publicity move. The actor emphasised that she has always preferred to let her work speak for itself.
“I have never resorted to cheap PR tactics,” she stated, adding that she doesn’t even maintain a large publicity team.
Yami referred to her earlier comments about award validation during a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter. In that interview, she had reflected on the unpredictability of recognition in the film industry.
“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,” she said.
About the films involved
Tere Ishk Mein, often described as a spiritual successor to Raanjhanaa, starred Dhanush as Shankar alongside Kriti Sanon as Mukti. The film premiered in theatres on November 28, 2025.
Meanwhile, Haq, produced by Junglee Pictures in collaboration with Insomnia Films and Baweja Studios, features Yami Gautam opposite Emraan Hashmi. The courtroom drama is reportedly inspired by a landmark Supreme Court judgement and includes actors Vartika Singh, Sheeba Chaddha, Danish Hussain and Aseem Hattangady in key roles.