Yami Gautam - Reaching Zen

As opposed to sharp and edgy characters that she is playing of late, Yami Gautam, in her latest cover shoot with FHM India, shows us her calmer side.

- Mehul Reuben Das

Yami Gautam, it seems, never gets tired of learning. She manages to imbibe something positive from every co-star and director who she works with. We caught up with her as she readies herself for the release of her film Uri. Switching her zen mode on, she answers some riveting questions about her evolution as an actor and as a human being, and why she feels that she will always be a student in the school of life. We wonder has she already found nirvana? Edited excerpts from the interview:

This is your second time as FHM India cover. Since the last time we worked with you in 2014, how have you evolved as a person and as an artist?

It takes time for a person to evolve. We should always be open to learn new things. At the same time, it is important to retain your own personality, your own flair. I think since the last time I was on the cover of FHM India, I have grown more comfortable in my skin and also evolved as a person. I am still evolving. Over time, I have come to realise that being confident and comfortable about one’s own self is self taught.

Even though your father is a director in the Punjab film industry, it seems you have had to carve a space for yourself in Bollywood.

While dad was into documentary making, I never thought that I would become an actor one day. I come from a very cushioned and secured environment in Chandigarh. I was always good at studies and wanted to join civil services, but as fate would have it, dad and I, even though we do something similar, we are on our own paths.

You have acted in several South Indian films, but only a couple of Punjabi films. Why is that?