Bollywood star Yami Gautam has opened up in a heartfelt conversation about her transformative journey into motherhood, the challenges of returning to work, and the profound emotional shift she experienced. The actress, who married filmmaker Aditya Dhar in a private ceremony in Himachal Pradesh on June 4, 2021, welcomed her son, Vedavid, in 2024.
Confronting the 'Guilt' of a Working Mother
In a recent interview with Humans of Bombay, Yami Gautam addressed the pervasive sense of guilt many working mothers navigate. She described guilt not merely as a word but as a powerful and hard-to-ignore emotion. The actress found crucial reassurance from her own mother at a pivotal moment.
"She told me, ‘Don’t feel that guilt. I’m here as your mother and I’ll always support you. If working makes you happy, you’ve worked all your life to reach here. You’re not being selfish,’" Yami shared. Her mother emphasized that embracing motherhood does not require abandoning one's dreams, framing her child as a divine blessing and a reward.
Professional Commitments: From Pregnancy to Comeback
Yami Gautam revealed a significant professional challenge: she was pregnant while filming her politically charged movie, 'Article 370'. "I was expecting when I was shooting Article 370, so you can imagine how nervous I must have been," she admitted. However, with her mother's encouragement and medical clearance, she continued her work.
The actress returned to sets when her son was just nine months old, crediting her mother's presence as the cornerstone of her ability to do so. "I could work because my mother was there. No matter how many helping hands you have, you need someone of your own, someone your heart trusts," Yami explained, highlighting the emotional safety net it provided.
The Logistics of Love and Work
Yami provided a practical example of her dedication to both her craft and her child. During a shoot in a remote location with limited connectivity, she meticulously planned her travel. "There was only one weekly off and one operational flight. After pack-up, I would take that flight, spend one day with my baby, and take the early morning flight back straight to the set," she recalled.
She strongly advocated for robust support systems, stating, "Whether you’re a working mother or a stay-at-home mom, respect to all mothers. There is no harm in asking for help." Simultaneously, she stressed professional responsibility, acknowledging that in a high-stakes industry like film, one must commit fully to their work.
The 'Life-Altering' Emotional Transformation
Describing the moment she brought her baby home, Yami Gautam spoke of an instant and profound internal change. "I still remember the first time I came home from the hospital. Everything was the same, but I felt that whoever I was before this moment is completely different from who I am now," she shared.
She called motherhood a powerful, forever-altering experience that changes a person for the better. This new chapter has also brought her an immense sense of strength and empowerment. "You look at your baby and think, ‘My God, this is mine.’ You feel so strong," she expressed.
Concluding her thoughts, Yami reflected on the purity of parental love. "You realise how selfless love can be. Some days, I don’t want to do anything. I just want to sit there, look at my child, and keep playing. It’s the most beautiful feeling in the world," the actress said, encapsulating her joyous journey into parenthood.
