Yami Gautam On Why She Did Not Travel With Her Son For <i>Haq</i>: 'Cruel For A Baby'

Actress Yami Gautam has once again captivated audiences and critics alike with her compelling performance in the recently released film 'Haq'. Since its premiere on the popular streaming platform, the movie has not only garnered immense praise from her dedicated fanbase but has also drawn significant acclaim from prominent figures within the film industry, including stars like Alia Bhatt, Aditi Rao Hydari, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, and filmmaker Farah Khan, all of whom have lauded Gautam's stellar portrayal.

The film itself is a powerful cinematic rendition inspired by the actual events surrounding the historic Shah Bano case, a pivotal moment in India's legal history that culminated in a landmark Supreme Court judgment in the 1980s. This ruling underscored the universal principle of a divorced wife's right to maintenance, a subject that continues to resonate deeply within societal and legal discourse. The judicial bench, in its momentous decision, clarified that "There is no conflict between the provisions of Section 125 and those of the Muslim personal law on the question of the Muslim husband's obligation to provide maintenance for a divorced wife who is unable to maintain herself," thereby affirming the crucial importance of financial support for vulnerable individuals post-divorce.

Gautam’s performance as Shazia Bano is being heralded as one of her career-defining roles. She meticulously brought to life a character steeped in emotional complexity and profound vulnerability, a task that was far from simple. For the actress, who had recently embraced motherhood, embodying Shazia Bano proved to be an arduous journey, demanding not just immense mental resilience but also presenting significant personal challenges as she navigated the demanding schedules of filming alongside her new responsibilities.

The journey to deliver such an impactful performance was fraught with personal sacrifice, as Yami Gautam candidly shared insights into the filming process of 'Haq'. The film, which debuted in November 2025, commenced production when her son, Vedavid, whom she welcomed with filmmaker Aditya Dhar in May 2024, was merely nine months old. The initial plan involved having her infant accompany her to the shoot locations, a decision driven by the desire to balance her professional commitments with her role as a new mother.

However, the realities of filmmaking quickly presented unforeseen obstacles. As she recounted in a revealing conversation with a prominent online publication, her mother wisely advised her to first assess the filming environment. Upon visiting the set, Gautam discovered that the daily commute to locations was an arduous two-hour journey each way, leading to remote, interior settings that were far from ideal for a baby. "I landed there and realised every day my shoot location would be two hours, one side, away from the lodging, and the shooting would be in interior locations, which is cruel and difficult with a baby that age," the actor elaborated, highlighting the impracticality of her initial plan.

Confronted with these logistical hurdles, Yami made the difficult yet necessary decision to leave her son at home. Yet, her commitment to motherhood remained unwavering. She devised a rigorous schedule, requesting to travel back home on her single day off each week. This meant taking a late-night flight after wrapping up filming on the last day of the week, spending a precious day with her child, and then catching an early morning flight, often as early as 5 AM, to ensure she was back on set. "After pack-up on the last day, I would take that flight, spend one day, and with the first early morning flight at 5 o'clock, I would land straight on set. That's how I would meet him and balance my work," she explained, illustrating the extraordinary lengths she went to maintain her connection with her baby.

In a heartfelt discussion about the universal experience of 'mom guilt', Yami Gautam shared a profound piece of advice from her mother that resonated deeply. When directly asked if she ever grappled with this pervasive feeling, Gautam recounted, "My mother said, 'I have been hearing about 'guilt' in many interviews, but before it gets you, let me tell you: don't. Don't feel that guilt. I am here as your mother, and I will always support you.'" This powerful affirmation offered immense comfort and perspective, allowing the actress to navigate her professional life without the added burden of self-reproach.

Her mother further elaborated on the importance of pursuing one's aspirations without compromise, reminding her that she herself had built a successful career while upholding her values and achieving significant milestones. She encouraged Yami not to perceive her return to work as an act of selfishness, but rather as a testament to her dedication and passion. "Don't work with that guilt because you will not be able to function. You will always be under this emotional pressure," her mother advised, emphasizing the detrimental impact of guilt on one's well-being and productivity. This invaluable guidance provided Yami Gautam with the strength to excel both as an artist and a mother.

'Haq's impact wasn't confined to critical acclaim alone; its commercial success has been equally remarkable. Upon its global release on the streaming giant, the film swiftly ascended to the number one position in India, demonstrating its immediate resonance with domestic audiences. Furthermore, its compelling narrative transcended geographical boundaries, securing a strong international foothold and achieving the coveted second spot among non-English global titles. Intriguingly, 'Haq' discovered a passionate and dedicated viewership in unexpected territories, notably cultivating a significant fan base in countries like Pakistan and Nigeria, highlighting the universal appeal of its powerful story and Yami Gautam's outstanding performance.