Mumbai: Yami Gautam Dhar has responded to a social media controversy after screenshots circulated online suggesting she had liked a reel criticising Kriti Sanon over her recent Best Actress win. The actor clarified that the interaction was not intentional and may have occurred accidentally while she was tagged in multiple posts.
Taking to X (Twitter) on Friday, Yami addressed the situation and stated that the ‘like’ was not meant to endorse any criticism directed at Kriti.
“It has come to my notice that I apparently ‘liked’ a reel that is condescending toward another actor. We get tagged in multiple things every day, and this appeared during an award-function reference like any other tag. It isn’t true and was definitely not done consciously. If anything, it may have been clicked accidentally,” she wrote.
The clarification came after social media users began debating the interaction, with some accusing the actor of indirectly criticising Kriti’s award win while others defended her.
How the controversy began
The controversy started after Kriti Sanon won the Best Actress award at the Zee Cine Awards for her performance in the upcoming film Tere Ishk Mein.
Soon after the award announcement, some users on social media began comparing Kriti’s win with Yami’s performance in the film Haq, arguing that Yami also deserved recognition.
A fan-made reel circulating on Instagram showed Kriti posing with her award trophy. The video also included a clip from Yami’s earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, in which she spoke about not seeking validation through awards.
The edited video concluded with the question “Is it fair?”, indirectly questioning Kriti’s award win.
Shortly afterwards, screenshots surfaced online suggesting that Yami had ‘liked’ the reel, leading to speculation and debate among fans. Some users interpreted the action as support for the criticism directed at Kriti, while others felt the situation was being exaggerated.
The screenshots spread rapidly across social media platforms, turning the incident into a trending discussion among film fans and entertainment portals.
Yami denies deliberate endorsement
In her statement, Yami strongly denied any intention of supporting negative commentary about another actor.
She emphasised that celebrities often receive numerous tags and mentions every day on social media, making it possible for accidental interactions to occur.
Yami also stated that she has never relied on controversial publicity tactics to remain in the spotlight.
“Never in my life have I resorted to cheap PR tactics. I have always focused on my work and moved on,” she wrote.
The actor further urged social media users and entertainment portals to consider the broader context before turning such incidents into gossip.
Her statement was welcomed by many fans who felt the controversy was blown out of proportion. Several users pointed out that accidental ‘likes’ are common on social media platforms and should not be interpreted as deliberate endorsements.
Others urged people to avoid creating unnecessary conflicts between actors based on speculative interpretations of online interactions.
Social media reactions remain divided
Despite Yami’s clarification, the discussion continued across social media platforms.
Some users maintained that public figures need to be cautious about their digital interactions because even minor actions can be interpreted in multiple ways.
Others, however, defended both actors and criticised the tendency of online audiences to amplify minor incidents.
Many fans highlighted that the film industry often becomes the subject of unnecessary rivalry narratives on social media, especially during award season.
Industry observers also noted that such controversies are increasingly common in the age of viral screenshots and rapid online speculation.
Upcoming projects of the actors
Meanwhile, both actors are preparing for their upcoming film releases.
Yami Gautam Dhar will next appear in a cameo role in Dhurandhar: The Revenge, directed by her husband Aditya Dhar. The film is scheduled to release on March 19, 2026.
Kriti Sanon, on the other hand, has reportedly taken a brief break after completing work on Cocktail 2. The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.
The project has generated significant interest among audiences as it continues the legacy of the popular 2012 film.
Conclusion
The brief social media controversy surrounding Yami Gautam Dhar highlights how quickly online interactions involving celebrities can escalate into widespread debates.
While Yami has clarified that the viral ‘like’ was accidental, the episode underscores the growing scrutiny faced by public figures in the digital era.
As discussions continue among fans online, both actors remain focused on their professional commitments, with upcoming films expected to keep them in the spotlight for the months ahead.