Actor Yami Gautam has responded to online speculation after her Instagram account appeared to like a post criticising Kriti Sanon’s Best Actress win for the film Tere Ishk Mein at the recently held Zee Cine Awards in Mumbai.
The award announcement sparked debate among cinema enthusiasts, with some viewers suggesting that Yami’s performance in the film Haq deserved the honour instead. Soon after the ceremony, several social media users criticised the decision, and a viral post mocking Kriti’s win reportedly received a “like” from Yami’s Instagram account, triggering widespread speculation.
Yami Gautam clarifies Instagram activity
Addressing the controversy on Friday, Yami explained that the interaction with the post was unintentional and may have happened accidentally while browsing tagged content.
In a message shared on Instagram, she wrote that she noticed reports claiming she had liked a reel that was disrespectful toward another actor.
“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 wasn’t done consciously; if anything, it may have been clicked accidentally.”
Actor rejects PR stunt claims
Yami also dismissed suggestions that the situation was part of a publicity move.
She stated that she has never relied on publicity tactics and prefers to focus on her work instead.
“Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on,” she wrote, adding that the current environment of clickbait headlines often turns minor incidents into unnecessary gossip.
Yami further mentioned that she does not maintain a dedicated PR team and reiterated that she remains focused on her professional commitments.
About the films ‘Haq’ and ‘Tere Ishk Mein’
Yami’s film Haq, directed by Suparn S Varma, released on November 7, 2025. The film draws inspiration from the historic Mohd. Ahmed Khan vs Shah Bano Begum judgement delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 1985, a landmark case related to women’s rights and maintenance laws. The project also features Emraan Hashmi in a key role.
Meanwhile, Tere Ishk Mein, directed by Aanand L Rai, was released on November 28, 2025. The romantic drama stars Kriti Sanon alongside Dhanush and explores a relationship that blends intense love with emotional complexity.
The debate surrounding the award results continues to circulate online, though both actors have largely remained focused on their respective projects.
