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From harboring a desire to be an IAS officer to becoming an actor, Yami Gautam tells Shweta Kulkarni that she is more than content with destiny's offer.
Yami Gautam is one of the few television actresses who have made a successful transition to films. With the release of her debut film VICKY DONOR last year, Yami secured a fine place in many hearts, admittedly more of the male variety!
She flashes a bright, warm, happy smile and says, "I may sound immodest, but yes, I have made a successful transition from television to films. I think I am very lucky."
Lucky indeed, given the fact that not many, especially actresses, from the small screen have managed to hit a home run in the film industry! Was the switch to the big screen always on the cards?
"I'll be very honest; I was never desperate to do films. I would not say that I never wanted to - who doesn't want to be part of films? - but, for me, it was never an intentional decision that I have left television now and I want to do only films," she reveals candidly. "I didn't even think I would get a big leap after this film. Yes, there came a point in television - where I won't say - I quit but the show (Yeh Pyaar Na Hoga Kam') was pulled off. I think that happened for the better because that is the time when I took a sabbatical. Television consumes you a lot. I have a lot of respect for it, it got me financial security but it consumes you as a person and it consumes you as an actor. My mother took me back to Chandigarh and said Take a break, think about what you want to do, take a deep breath and relax for some time.' That is the time I explored the possibility of doing commercials. But I didn't know how to go about it. I am not a 5'8" model; I don't have a modelling background. So how do I do it? I didn't even have a portfolio at that time. It was a fresh new start once again. Then I eventually got a few commercials. Even with commercials, whatever work I did I ensured that it was concept-driven. Again, I think I was really lucky for being chosen for those ads. Amidst all this, VICKY DONOR happened. And I didn't take it as, Oh my God, it's 70mm now!' I just took it because I wanted to work with Shoojit Sir. When I got the script, I just gave it to my parents and said padhlo aap.' They were taken aback when they read it; they couldn't believe that a concept like this could ever be turned into a film. They liked the script so much and asked me to go ahead with it."
Interestingly, while acting was somewhere at the back of her mind, being academically driven meant this petite actress had something else planned for herself.
"There are two professions that every growing girl decides on - to be a teacher or an actor. And I also wanted to become a teacher like my teacher and an actress like Madhuri Dixit! But obviously, as you grow up, you gradually start thinking about your future goals. I was more inclined towards my studies; I used to be on the merit list always. So the plan was to be an IAS officer," she chuckles and continues, "Furthermore, I am a very shy person - and I still am, I am very reserved. So for someone like me, I never thought I could be in the acting profession. I was never bothered about my looks, about how I should be looking, I used to oil my hair and go to college. My friends till date say, You are the last person we could ever imagine being in this profession...you are so shy, you are so reserved, you are not a people's person.' And they are so right, because all my friends, my best friends, are the people I made friends with when I was in school. I have made good acquaintances over the years but my friends are still the ones from my school days. Even in the industry, I have made good acquaintances with people, but I have very cordial relationships with them. Friends' is a big term for me. So from being that kind of person to here...it's a big thing."
Well, now that she is here and everything is running smoothly with some interesting films in her kitty, what's the big plan now?
"I think it's very difficult to define that," she says with much thought, "However, I am very inspired by Vidya Balan's body of work and hope that I can somewhere establish myself like that. The kind of success she has got for herself is amazing. I was reading her interview lately and she rightly said, When you try to be someone you are not, or do something just because something is in fashion, it will not work for you.' I completely agree with what Vidya said. I feel you have to be yourself for people to appreciate you. And you must allow yourself to breathe and think about what you are doing. Introspection is very important. You should know who you are. You should constantly keep questioning yourself... Am I doing the right thing? Am I being myself? Or am I also being just a part of the whole lot? It's very important to preserve yourself. And I think people love you for that, it might take a little time but that is what I plan to do. Honestly, in today's time, there is no dearth of good talent. There are so many good directors, writers... this is the best phase in the industry. And audiences are looking for the real stuff; they don't want any artificiality or that kind of plasticity."
She spoke with fervour. Making it quite clear that she will not be part of films which would use her as a mere prop... "That is not bad...there is an audience for it too. There is an audience for every kind of cinema. It depends on where you want to be. Nobody is forcing you to do anything. It's very hard to please people from all walks of life. That's why I say you need to understand yourself and accept the fact that this is what you want. And there would be certain people who will love you and like you. You will get an opportunity to maybe explore a different side. And you must, as an actor, show diversity in that...Which is what I am trying to do. The reason I chose Vidya's example is because of the kind of films she has done. Whether it's PAA, THE DIRTY PICTURE or KAHAANI, she has proved her mettle as an actor. I believe that if you want to create a niche for yourself...it will be created. You have to have a little patience. And you have to believe in it. It might take a little time but it will happen."
It seems that this young girl has everything sorted for herself. "Kind of," she smiles confidently. "I don't want to see sugar-coated stuff. My contemporaries are probably doing bigger and better projects but that doesn't deter my confidence at all. Because I know I have come here for a certain reason. I have reached here so far without any backing or godfathers. When I was offered VICKY DONOR, I also had an opportunity to do another film. I can't name the film, but I had the opportunity to have a very glossy, glamorous kind of launch...the perfect launch, so to say. But I still chose VICKY DONOR and I am happy about it."
Looking at the accolades that this film got her, I am certain it was the wisest decision. Wonder if the success of her film has changed her? "Not much, I still don't drink, I am a teetotaler, I don't smoke, I am not at all a part of something that I am not supposed to...or that I wasn't earlier. I have changed but for better. When I go and meet my school friends I am still the same. Why should there be a change? I know one thing - everything has a shelf-life. It's very simple, I know I'll be here for a certain period of time; after that somebody else would come. The more you accept the fact gracefully, the better. I don't want to work in the industry till the time people say, Oh she should leave now. Why is she still working?' I want people to think Wow...she walked away gracefully. She was an actor, she created a body of work for herself...respectfully worked and lead a happy family life too.' That's what I want. I want a good family life also. It's important."
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