Yami Gautam Shares How Her Love Story with Aditya Dhar Began

The Cliff News | 2 August 2026

Bollywood actress Yami Gautam has offered a glimpse into the origins of her romance with filmmaker Aditya Dhar, revealing that their relationship did not begin with a traditional courtship during filming.

Gautam, who recently starred in the successful films Haq and Dhurandar, shared in a candid conversation with podcaster Ranveer Allahabadia that her initial interactions with Dhar were purely professional. "I just did my job, and did it well," she stated, emphasizing her focus on her work while they were shooting.

From Professionalism to Friendship

The spark that ignited their relationship occurred later, during the promotional tours for their projects. It was during this period that the couple began to truly connect and understand each other on a deeper level. "That’s when we started because that’s when you are listening to each other ‘s answers. There’s more of an understanding as to what kind of person he is," Gautam explained.

This period of increased interaction led to the organic development of a strong friendship. Gautam described this phase as a "beautiful friendship," which eventually blossomed into love. "And when we felt that, a friendship started very organically. A beautiful friendship. I think this is love," she shared.

The Foundation of Friendship in Relationships

The narrative of Yami Gautam and Aditya Dhar's relationship highlights a growing appreciation for relationships that evolve from strong friendships. Clinical psychologist Priya Parulekar commented on the merits of such unions, noting that they are often viewed positively due to their robust foundation built on shared values, mutual respect, and compatibility.

According to Parulekar, healthy relationships progress through distinct stages. The initial phase involves physical attraction or chemistry, followed by a deeper mental or emotional connection. The final stage culminates in an intellectual partnership, often leading to marriage or a long-term commitment where responsibilities are shared as a family.

"What is worth noting is that the most important component of all three stages is friendship. There can be no relationship at any stage – body, mind or intellect without friendship," she said.

Parulekar further elaborated that individuals who were close friends before entering a romantic relationship often possess a comprehensive understanding of each other's personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and preferences. This pre-existing familiarity typically fosters greater acceptance and appreciation, contributing to a more resilient and enduring romantic bond.