Yami Gautam recently found herself at the center of social media chatter after users noticed that she had “liked” a video seemingly critical of Kriti Sanon’s Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards. The video sparked considerable debate online, with many interpreting Gautam’s interaction as a subtle jab at Sanon’s achievement. However, the actress stepped forward on Thursday to clear the air, emphasizing that the like was completely accidental and not a deliberate act of criticism.
In her statement posted on X, Yami explained the challenges celebrities face on social media platforms, where they are tagged in countless posts every day. She pointed out that amidst this flood of notifications, it is easy to unintentionally engage with content without fully realizing it. “It has come to my attention that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor,” she wrote. She further clarified that the video appeared as just another tagged post related to an award function, and the interaction was not conscious but rather an inadvertent click.
Yami Gautam also addressed rumors suggesting that her action might have been a calculated move to generate publicity. She firmly rejected such claims, stating that she has never resorted to what she described as “cheap PR tactics.” her, her career has always been built on hard work and dedication rather than sensationalism. She remarked, “In a world dominated by clickbait, even respectable social media outlets can sometimes exaggerate minor incidents and turn them into gossip. I hope people recognize that I have earned a reputation beyond such trivial controversies.” This response highlights her commitment to maintaining professionalism and integrity in the highly competitive film industry.
The controversy initially erupted after Kriti Sanon was honored with the Best Actress award for her role in the film Tere Ishk Mein. Shortly after the announcement, a video began circulating online that compared Sanon’s win with Yami Gautam’s acclaimed performance in the courtroom drama Haq. The clip included a previous interview where Gautam expressed her disinterest in seeking validation through awards, ending with a caption questioning the fairness of the award decision. This context led many viewers to believe that Gautam’s like on the video was an implicit critique of Sanon’s victory, fueling discussions and divided opinions among fans on social media platforms.
Despite the buzz, Yami Gautam’s clarification serves as a reminder of the complexities celebrities face in the digital age, where even unintended actions can be magnified and misinterpreted. The incident underscores the importance of cautious engagement on social media, especially for public figures who are constantly under scrutiny. Meanwhile, the film fraternity continues to celebrate the achievements of both actresses, recognizing their distinct contributions to the industry without letting online controversies overshadow their work.