Pallabi Purkayastha (BOMBAY TIMES; September 18, 2018)

After exploring contrasting characters in Kaabil and Sarkar 3 last year, Yami Gautam is now gearing up for the release of her upcoming social drama, Batti Gul Meter Chalu, directed by Shree Narayan Singh, which deals with the issue of power theft. In an interview with BT, the actress talks about her headstrong character Gulnaar in the film, the camaraderie that she shares with her co-stars and how she is unfazed about sharing screen time with Shraddha Kapoor. Excerpts...

In Batti Gul Meter Chalu, you essay the role of a lawyer, who is pitted against Shahid Kapoor’s character, who is fighting against power theft in a town of Uttarakhand. What prompted you to take up this character?
I have two main reasons for taking up the role. The first one is a bit personal — I hail from a small town in Himachal Pradesh and was raised in Chandigarh, so, I am well-aware of these problems and how they affect the common man. The story isn’t just about getting excessively billed; I may have that kind of money, but it is unfair. Also, what if I don’t have the money to pay for something that I have not consumed? This has not happened to me or my family, but we have heard about such things. So, when I read the script, it took me back to my childhood. Secondly, Shree sir’s (the director) previous film, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha also revolved around a relevant social issue, but at the same time, it was entertaining and had humour. It’s the same with Batti… My character Gulnaar is strong, confident and speaks her mind. I know that my character has an impact on the story. The film is about three friends, but it finally ends up as a courtroom drama and that’s where Gulnaar is prominent and relevant.

This is the first time you’re working with Shahid Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor. Did you guys have any ice breaking session prior to the commencement of your shoot?
I don’t think you have to try and be friends with anyone. When I met Hrithik (Roshan) for the first time, before the shoot of Kaabil, you know what I told him? ‘Hi! I am Yami and I am nervous’. I was just being true to myself. When I spoke to Shahid, Shraddha and Shree sir, I was just being myself and meant what I said and that’s it; nothing else was required. I don’t think you have to be ‘friends’ to work with someone. Of course, we all were very friendly and had our shares of laughter and giggles. They were all too sweet to me and it was almost like welcoming a new member into the family. We were on the same page and had mutual admiration, in terms of our work, so we never felt the need to have an icebreaking session. I think there was no ice only (laughs!).

An actor like Shahid generally comes prepared on the set. Does his level of involvement in his role push you to up your game and perform better?
Towards the end of our shoot, Shahid told me, ‘You came really prepped’ and I said ‘Yeah, I had to, because you guys had already started shooting and you all knew each other from before’. I remember once I was rehearsing my lines for a scene in which he wasn’t there and he asked me, ‘What are you doing?’ I replied that I was rehearsing, to which he said, ‘Come, I will be the other character’. He is a very supportive co-star.

Whether it’s menstruation or the issue of power theft, nowadays, a lot of films are addressing issues that are usually brushed under the carpet. Do you think Bollywood has reached a stage where it is not scared to make bold statements?
Yes, we are not living under a tyrant and that’s what a democracy in the real sense means. You are putting across your point and you have the right to your speech and expression. Cinema is a very powerful medium and it’s not about attacking someone, it is about making people aware. It is very easy to attack someone, but how will it benefit the common man who is not aware of these things? It started with Vicky Donor, which was sort of a cult film in itself. It had a path-breaking script, which made people aware, but it didn’t attack anyone. Films like Pad Man, Toilet - Ek Prem Katha and Batti Gul Meter Chalu resonate with the audience. They are entertaining, too; it’s not like they are being preachy and trying to give you some ‘gyaan’.

There’s a perception that actresses are uncomfortable sharing screen time with their contemporaries. In Batti, you are doing just that with Shraddha Kapoor. Were you apprehensive about the length of your role or the fact that it is a two-heroine movie?
I don’t mean to sound condescending, but I think it is a very outdated thought. We are living in a modern era, so, we have to also think in a modern way. Your work speaks for yourself and it’s important that you don’t walk into a set or sign a film keeping these things in mind. And that’s only possible when you are secure as a person. I am very secure about myself. So, there were no qualms or apprehensions of any sort. Shraddha has a very good part in the film and both our roles are sharply defined. She has done her best and even I have tried to do justice to my role. So, there is no overlap of interest or intentions. I don’t think it is healthy for any actor to enter a set with that thought. A film is always made with ‘we’ and it’s never made with ‘me’; that’s something I learnt from Kaabil (smiles).

You have just wrapped up Uri with Vicky Kaushal, which is based on the 2016 militant attacks. Do you think, in the recent past, there have been many films in Bollywood with a central or an underlying theme of patriotism?
Uri is not a fictional story. It is something that has happened for real and marks one of the most important events in the history of the Indian Army. It was a very crucial operation. So, it is not just a story, it is something that we all must know. And I am not saying this because I am a part of Uri, but as an Indian. Wouldn’t you like to know what had actually happened and what it takes to step into the shoes of a soldier? I don’t think even a 100 films can do justice to their dedication towards the nation.