'Choosing the right script' is Yami Gautam's mantra for Success

Akshay Kumar‘s OMG 2 which recently hit the big screens has been a highly anticipated sequel to OMG, which starred Akshay Kumar and Paresh Rawal. However, Yami Gautam Dhar and Pankaj Tripathi among others have joined Akshay Kumar in the sequel.

In an exclusive interaction with Adgully Bureau, Yami Gautam Dhar shares about her being selective while finalizing movies and roles and also about her deep faith in almighty.

What made you to be a part of OMG2?

The process which I have always followed is to look at three pillars of a good film: the script, the director, and my role. It was during the pandemic that Akshay Kumar called me and narrated the storyline of OMG2. The story was written by Dr. Chandraprakash Dwivedi and Amit Rai, director of OMG 2. They insisted that this will be one of my best scripts. However, I still wanted to read the script to understand my character and then give a go-ahead. So it means Akshay Kumar had to convince you with a good script! My intention has always been to be part of a film and not a project. Social message and socially relevant films are good but I find the subject of OMG 2 to be very important. Of course, Akshay Kumar’s name and brand in itself is good enough for any actor but I still wanted to be sure about my role in the movie. I always select movies keeping in mind the significance of my role in any movie.

How does your husband cum director, Aditya Dhar contribute in your script selection?

I was already a part of OMG 2 when I got married in 2021. I remember when Akshay Sir spoke to me again he was surprised that I got married also. Answering your question, Aditya and I share everything from our lives. I have read all his scripts but he has never read any of my scripts. Though, he knows what film and what role I am doing. Moreover, it was Aditya who told me a very important thing that I should read my scripts again and again. Every time I read the script I discover something new. I also have the habit of taking notes which helps me in my acting.

You are acting in OMG 2. So to what extent do you believe in God?

I am a firm God believer. I know there has to be some super power above us who monitors the whole universe. I call my mother ‘Jagat Janani’ as she is the one who actually introduced me to religion. I love having conversations with my mother. If you read our scriptures throughly, a lot has been explained about our God with so much clarity. Hailing from Himachal there is no chance I will not believe in God. Do you believe in fasting for religious purposes? Being an actress, it is difficult to fast as one has to be shooting, and never know what the shot demands. Once I fasted during Navratri during my shoots-it was really tough. My mother made me understand that keeping a fast is optional, not the only way to get His blessings. At home I do light up a ‘dia’ in my mandir. I am married into a Kashmiri Pandit family so Shivratri is a big ritual at home.

What do you feel about actors going to religious places to promote their films?

I cannot comment on this. However, the vibes and the energy of any holy place has a different power altogether. As an actor what is your dharma and karma? I am very true to my work. I have and never will take myself and my audience for granted. The film has got A certificate. What can you say about this? It has already been done. At this stage I feel the producers have a lot of stake, as at the end of the day money matters. I just feel the intention behind this film should be fulfilled. And the word of mouth will play a huge role for OMG 2.

To conclude, one essential question. How was your experience working with Akshay Kumar?

Akshay sir is a gem of a person and a very hard working actor. He has put his heart and soul in this film. He is someone who speaks from his heart. He is very fluent in Punjabi and most of the time he used to converse with me in Punjabi. For a change he never pulled my leg.