Yami Gautam completed eight years in Bollywood this week, as did her co-star Ayushmann Khurrana’s maiden Hindi film Vicky Donor. The film was a huge success at the box office in 2012.  

The actress reveals that the film led her to root for roles that have substance. “It helped me explore myself as an actor. I remember the process of preparing for Vicky Donor  we had workshops and we were so thorough with the script. After packing up, we would sit with Shoojit (Sircar) da and Juhi (Chaturvedi) and work on upcoming scenes. It taught me to listen to my instincts and be fearless in my choices. I credit the film for strengthening my desire to be part of such stories that have depth and impact,” she smiles, adding that the director was key to her choosing the film.

“Shoojit da was one of the main reasons I said yes to the film. When I had auditioned for Vicky Donor, my instincts said ‘I wish I get this part’. The concept was so fresh and the script was so funny; not many newcomers get to play such roles. When I got the part, I was so happy and I knew it was going to be something special,” Yami recalls.

With Vicky Donor, Ayushmann Khurrana also established himself as a force to reckon with in the film industry.

“The eight years that have passed have been rather thrilling and gratifying at the same time. The way audiences have also reacted to some of my films has also been rather humbling. I would not want to change anything about the time gone by. It had its share of tears and lack of self-confidence but it sure has been super exciting,” the actor smiles, adding that he is grateful for his position in Bollywood.

“I’m grateful to the industry for welcoming an outsider like me with open arms. I wish to be a part of the phenomenal visions of the leading storytellers of my generation,” the actor asserts.