Yami Gautam Clears the Air: “Accidental Like” on Kriti Sanon Mocking Reel

New Delhi, March 6, 2026: In the fast-paced world of social media, even a simple double-tap can trigger a national conversation. Bollywood actor Yami Gautam recently found herself at the center of a digital firestorm after eagle-eyed fans noticed her “liking” an Instagram reel that appeared to mock fellow actor Kriti Sanon’s recent award win.

The incident sparked a heated debate regarding professional rivalry and “outsider” dynamics in the film industry. However, Yami has now broken her silence, offering a candid clarification to set the record straight.

The Spark: A “Shady” Reel and a Controversial Like

The controversy began shortly after the Zee Cine Awards 2026, where Kriti Sanon was honored as Best Actress for her performance in the romantic drama Tere Ishk Mein. While Kriti celebrated her victory, a section of the internet felt the award should have gone to Yami Gautam for her powerhouse performance in the legal drama Haq.

A viral Instagram reel soon surfaced, juxtaposing footage of Kriti’s acceptance speech with an old interview clip of Yami. In the throwback clip, Yami is heard saying:

“I’ve stopped seeking any kind of validation… If I get that award, then I am a good actress, and otherwise, I’m not? It’s not like that.”

The reel, which carried the provocative caption “Is it fair?”, was liked by Yami’s official handle. Screenshots of the “like” immediately flooded Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), with some users labeling the move as “insecure” or “petty.”

Yami Gautam Responds: “An Accidental Click”

Taking to X late Thursday night, Yami issued a direct statement to dismiss the narrative of a feud. She attributed the interaction to the hazards of digital tagging rather than a conscious choice.

“It has come to my notice that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor,” Yami wrote. She explained that celebrities are tagged in hundreds of posts daily, and this specific reel appeared in her feed as a notification related to the award function. “It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously; if anything, it may have been clicked accidentally.”

No Room for “Cheap PR”

Known for her dignified persona and preference for staying away from Bollywood “camps,” Yami also used the opportunity to distance herself from typical industry publicity stunts.

• Work-First Approach: She emphasized that her focus remains solely on her craft rather than social media optics.
• The PR Myth: Yami stated clearly, “I have no PR team,” adding that she has never resorted to “cheap PR tactics” to pull down her colleagues.
• A Solid Reputation: She urged media portals and fans to consider her long-standing reputation before jumping to conclusions based on “clickbait” gossip.

The Verdict: Professional Grace Over Digital Noise

Despite the social media friction, both actresses are currently riding high on professional success. Kriti Sanon’s Tere Ishk Mein (co-starring Dhanush) has been a box-office favorite, while Yami Gautam’s Haq (featuring Emraan Hashmi) has received immense critical acclaim, even topping streaming charts in international territories like Nigeria and Pakistan.

By addressing the “accidental like” swiftly, Yami has attempted to shut down the “outsider vs. outsider” narrative that fans were beginning to build. Her clarification suggests that while the audience may debate over who is more “deserving,” the actors themselves are far more focused on the work than the trophies.