Yami Gautam Addresses Controversy Over Instagram ‘Like’
Yami Gautam has clarified that she “accidentally” liked an Instagram Reel that appeared to criticize Kriti Sanon’s recent Best Actress win at the Zee Cine Awards. The incident sparked online discussion, leading Gautam to address the situation publicly on March 5, 2026.
The Controversy Unfolds
Social media users noticed that Gautam had liked a Reel juxtaposing Kriti Sanon accepting the Best Actress award for Tere Ishq Mein with a previous interview of Gautam discussing her views on awards and validation. In the earlier interview with THR India, Gautam stated, “You try everything, and it still doesn’t operate. 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 by questioning whether Sanon’s win was “fair,” given Gautam’s performance in Haq was similarly highly praised.
Gautam’s Explanation
Responding to the online buzz, Gautam explained on X (formerly Twitter) that she is frequently tagged in numerous posts daily and believes the ‘like’ was unintentional. “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,” she wrote.
No PR Team and a Focus on Work
Gautam also emphasized that she does not employ a public relations team and has consistently maintained a focus on her work. “Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on,” she stated. She further expressed concern about the tendency of media outlets to sensationalize such incidents, stating, “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.”
Recent Work
Yami Gautam has received acclaim for her performance in Haq, alongside Emraan Hashmi. She reiterated her commitment to her craft, concluding, “I have no PR team, have respectfully cleared my stance on entertainment award shows long ago, and remain focused on my work.”