Actor Yami Gautam has responded to an online controversy after social media users noticed that she had liked an Instagram reel that appeared to mock Kriti Sanon’s recent Best Actress award win. The actress quickly issued a clarification, stating that the engagement was accidental and not intended as criticism toward any fellow actor.
The incident gained traction after a reel circulating on Instagram suggested that Kriti Sanon’s award win was debatable. Once users spotted Yami Gautam’s “like” on the post, discussions began spreading across platforms like Reddit and X, leading to speculation about whether the actress was indirectly criticising Kriti.
Yami has now addressed the situation publicly and explained that the interaction happened unintentionally.
Yami Gautam Says the Like Was Unintentional
In a statement shared on social media, Yami Gautam clarified that she receives a large number of tags every day, which can sometimes lead to accidental engagement with posts.
She wrote,
“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.”
The actress further explained that the interaction was not done consciously.
“It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously; if anything, it may have been clicked accidentally,” she said.
Yami emphasised that she has never resorted to negative publicity or PR tactics involving other actors.
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…
— Yami Gautam Dhar (@yamigautam) March 5, 2026
Rejects “Cheap PR Tactics”
Addressing the speculation surrounding the incident, Yami Gautam strongly denied engaging in any publicity stunt.
“Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on,” she said.
She also commented on how quickly such moments can turn into online gossip.
“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.”
Yami concluded her statement by reiterating that she does not operate through a PR team and prefers to focus on her work rather than industry controversies.
“I have no PR team, have respectfully cleared my stance on entertainment award shows long ago, and remain focused on my work,” she added.
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What Triggered the Online Discussion
The controversy began after an Instagram reel went viral featuring Kriti Sanon celebrating her Best Actress award.
The video also included a clip from an older interview of Yami Gautam with THR India, in which she had spoken about not seeking validation through awards.
In the interview, Yami had said:
“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.”
The reel ended with the question “Is it fair?”, implying that Kriti Sanon’s award win might be questionable.
Once the reel gained traction online, users noticed that Yami Gautam had liked the post. A screenshot of the like was later shared on Reddit, which further fueled online speculation.
Social Media Reaction
The discovery quickly sparked conversations among fans and social media users, with many questioning whether Yami had intentionally supported the criticism aimed at Kriti Sanon.
However, after Yami’s clarification, several users acknowledged that accidental interactions on social media are common, especially for celebrities who receive thousands of tags and notifications daily.
Yami Gautam’s Recent Work
On the professional front, Yami Gautam has been receiving strong appreciation for her performance in the film Haq, where she starred alongside Emraan Hashmi.
The film has generated positive responses for its intense storytelling and performances, adding another notable project to Yami’s recent filmography.
With the clarification now issued, the actress appears keen to move past the controversy and continue focusing on her work in the industry.
