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Yami Gautam Dhar graces the latest cover of Grazia India in a deeply reflective conversation that captures a defining phase in her journey one marked by intention, evolution, and a quiet but undeniable momentum. With a career shaped by conscious choices and a grounded sense of self, she continues to carve a space that is distinctly her own, balancing powerful performances with personal milestones, including new motherhood.

Reflecting on the turning point in her career, she says, “Somewhere if I have to tie that thread in, post Bala and Uri in 2019, just before Covid. That’s when I think the shift happened for me, directors started seeing me in a different sort of sense that maybe she’s trying to pivot.” This pivot reflected in all her next few choices of films A Thursday (2022), OMG2 (2023), Chor Nikal Ke Bhaga (2023), Dasvi (2022). “Then came Article 370 (2024), which I thought was a massive shift for me. At the same time on the personal front, I was expecting my baby. And of course, now it’s with Haq (2025).”

Speaking about the evolving nature of roles and storytelling, she shares, “All these definitions of main characters have changed now, and I think Dhurandhar is the best example”, she says, “Each and every character has left an impression because the characters are written in that sense. I’ve understood this also stems from a sense of industry culture, that this is the female actor, this is the male actor, this is the hero – it’s possible to dismantle that completely and chase brilliant characters and writing. Which is why I always go back to 2019 to Uri and Bala, because when you are celebrating a moment, it is never about just that, it’s about the journey that led you to it.”

On what continues to drive her as an actor, she adds, “Something new, something fresh not just as an actor but also from an audience’s lens. Even the audience in me must be equally excited. That’s what I’m looking at, that motivation and excitement to just keep giving my best. You could make endless lists, but this is what I want to do.”

Sharing insights into her craft and process, she says, “There’s always a time where you feel that you could have done something better, but that’s where the director’s vision and perspective come in. Even on set though I’m prepared, moments before the scene or any shot, I’m still thinking, is that okay, or let’s try this and I’m just trying to bring it alive in my head. It’s not that I do too many rehearsals, I like to go in with a lot of spontaneity.”

Reflecting on the changing landscape of cinema, she notes, “This is why I said it was always a director’s medium – it was always script and all those basic things that make a film, a film. The basics are back, so that’s a massive shift. It’s not just about a film doing well and new box office records I don’t think Dhurandhar’s success is telling us only that. We were struggling to get people into theatres, and we were figuring and toying around with things. But people thronging theatres tells you we are ready, we want you to make amazing films, we’ll watch, and yes, we’ll come repeatedly.”

Opening up about navigating motherhood alongside her career, she shares, “It’s because of the support system I have; it would have been difficult otherwise. We need help, there’s no denial in that, but we must acknowledge it, and when that help is given, there’s nobody else than your own family. I’m very grateful to my mother because that’s how I can do what I do. With a baby so young, even a set is not the right place perhaps for a child. It’s literally your heart outside your body, and who do you trust with your heart when both the parents are working.”

Speaking about staying grounded through it all, she reflects, “Nothing has changed us as people. That also comes from Aditya, and the kind of person he is, very unaffected and extremely humble. I’ve seen him through different phases, there are highs and lows and vulnerable phases – but it’s not like during that phase we expressed our frustration or let it out. Both of us are extremely thankful to God, for us spirituality is very important, we believe in the Almighty.” She adds, “Good things happen to good people. What’s meant for you may be delayed but never denied.”

With clarity, conviction, and an unwavering sense of purpose, Yami Gautam Dhar’s latest cover story with Grazia India reflects an actor in a powerful phase of evolution one who is not just holding the gaze, but redefining it on her own terms.