Now playing on Netflix, is the comedy Dhoom Dhasm starring Pratik Gandhi and Yami Gautam. Dhoom Dhaam flips the script on “happily ever after” when chaos takes over their wedding night the moment they get married! Meet Koyal, a complete wild child with zero chill, and Veer, a timid momma’s boy and animal-loving veterinarian. Their stars have (somehow) aligned, but on their wedding day, the newlyweds find themselves in far-from-perfect situations. What follows is a madcap adventure.
In this special interview, Yami talks with Subhash K Jha about her role, the fun of being in this film and what is coming next.
From the spunky heroine in Vicky Donor to the spirited shero in Dhoom Dhaam, how do you view your journey so far?
I’ve always been open to experimenting with different genres and characters. My journey has been a mix of unique experiences and roles that have helped me grow as an actor. I just want to be a part of films or do the kind of work that gives me a departure from the kind of perception people build each time, breaking away and surprise my audience. Hence, film by film, I am only chasing characters and going with scripts that give me a consistency and happiness. With each project your journey takes a shift and I am grateful that it has been a good journey so far. I’ve had the opportunity to work with talented directors, actors, and technicians, which has enriched my understanding of the craft. I’m proud of the films I’ve done and the characters I’ve portrayed, each of which has taught me something new.
Dhoom Dhaam gives you the unique opportunity to play the hero in a commercial product, was it fun and challenging?
Playing Koyal in Dhoom Dhaam was a refreshing experience. I have always believed in the power of characterisation in scripts and with OTT platforms, there is a whole universe out there you can experiment with. I am blessed that I am getting the right opportunities with a strong character, be it Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga, OMG 2, Lost, A Thursday, Article 370 or Dhoom Dhaam.
Was Dhoom Dhaam as much fun to shoot as it is to watch?
It was a unique one because of the rollercoaster it has been, on and off camera. In fact, the film’s situational comedy and strong writing made it enjoyable to portray a character that breaks away from traditional stereotypes and centre of it all. The challenge was to maintain a consistent tone throughout the film, but the director’s vision and guidance helped me navigate that. It has been a long time since I attempted comedy, and it is an extremely hard genre… the timing needs to be correct, so I would say it was a mix of both fun and challenging. And I love challenges.
You are now a wife and mother of a very young child; how do you balance out your domestic responsibilities with your work?
It’s something very new, but I’m learning to balance my personal- professional responsibilities while I enjoy both. Of course, it has been possible with the help and support back home and I am trying to make as much quality time as possible with my family whenever I am not working.
Would you say there are more challenges for female actors in Hindi cinema now than there were ten or twenty years ago?
I think we’ve made progress, but there’s still a long way to go. Female actors face unique challenges, and it’s heartening to see the industry slowly changing. There are more opportunities for women now, and we’re seeing more complex and nuanced female characters on screen. However, there’s still a lot of work to be done in terms of breaking down stereotypes. We are on a path to progress, and it is definitely very encouraging to see a change that is helping us all transform in ways we never expected to.
Two back-to-back exceptional performances in Article 370 and Dhoom Dhaam, what do we see you doing next?
I am grateful for all the love that has been coming my way from the audience and senior critics like you. I am enjoying the consistency but also, take my work very seriously. I’m looking forward to taking on meaningful and substantial roles that offer depth and substance. I want to diversify my filmography and focus on strong, impactful characters. I’m excited to explore different genres and work with new directors and actors. My goal is to continue pushing myself as an actor and taking on challenges that help me grow. On another note, there are interesting things in conversation, and when the time comes, I will be delighted to share these developments.
Dhoom Dhaam reveals you having a ball on the job, is it imperative for you to enjoy the character when agreeing to play it?
Enjoying the character is crucial for me. Strong writing and a well-developed character makes all the difference in my decision to take on a role. When I enjoy the character, I can bring more authenticity and passion to the role, which ultimately translates into a better performance. I also believe that when I’m having fun with the character, the audience can sense it, and it enhances their viewing experience. The definition of fun changes with the genre but irrespective, the process of getting into the skin of my character is what I enjoy the most and that makes all the difference.
One sees a lot of versatility in your choices; what are your preconditions for accepting parts?
I follow my instinct and take on roles that give me an opportunity to add value to the script with my character. If I enjoy the storytelling, I believe that there is definite scope for us to tell it ahead. I want to be a part of films that offer something new and different, and I value my audience’s expectations with me, as well. I also consider the impact of the film and whether it aligns with my personal values. Ultimately, I want to be proud of the work I do and know that it will resonate with the audience.
Incidentally, would you be comfortable playing a docile character?
Why not! I am not docile in person but I like my calm. If a good script demands it, I would definitely be open to explore it. There is strength and beauty is silence and, Kaabil taught me a lot about it. If you pour your heart into a character, it can speak to the audience in many more ways than one.
