Yamini Malhotra has always been a familiar face on Indian television, but her recent leap into Bollywood with the film Chill Maar Na Bro is creating quite a buzz. From her real-life drama on Bigg Boss to portraying complex characters on screen, Yamini’s transformation is both inspiring and bold. In an exclusive conversation, she opens up about this transition, her latest project, and her big-screen ambitions.
From Bigg Boss to Bollywood — how has the transition been for you, and what has changed the most in your journey so far?
The transition has been exciting but also a learning experience. Bigg Boss gave me a lot of exposure, where people saw my real personality. But Bollywood is a different world—it requires more preparation, patience, and effort. The biggest change is the way everything works. In television, things move fast, and you have to be spontaneous. In films, every scene is planned in detail, and you have to get into the depth of your character. This journey has made me a stronger performer and taught me a lot about my craft.
What drew you to the script of Chill Marna Bro, and how did you prepare for this new role?
Chill Maar Na Bro is a full-on entertainment film with no boring moments! The story is fresh, fun, and full of unexpected twists. I play Maya, a struggling actress from Delhi who moves to Mumbai with big dreams but struggles to get a break. Then one day, she gets offered two movies—but there’s a catch! And that’s where the real fun begins.
This role felt so relatable to me because Maya is bubbly, full of energy, and has a great sense of humor—just like me! When the director saw my Instagram and Bigg Bossclips, he immediately said, “You are our Maya! We need your Punjabi tadka in the film.” That’s what made this role so special for me.
You’ve already made a mark on television — what do you hope to bring to the big screen that audiences haven’t seen before?
Yamini’s years in television have earned her a loyal fan base. From serials to reality TV, she’s shown range and a strong connection with her audience. Now, as she enters Bollywood, she aims to bring something more layered to her characters.
“I want to bring freshness, realism, and unapologetic energy to every role I take up. Television helped me connect with households across the country, but now it’s time to connect with hearts on the big screen through deeper, more cinematic storytelling,” she says.
“I’ve lived so many lives through my TV characters. Now, I want to live through cinema—where every frame speaks, where silence can be more powerful than words, and where I can experiment with different shades of emotion,” she adds.
Why do you think it is an important step to enter in Bollywood?
Bollywood is a dream for so many of us who start our journeys in acting. It’s a place where your work reaches not just homes, but hearts across the globe. For me, this step is important because it’s not just about visibility or fame—it’s about growth. You get to work with different types of filmmakers, explore various genres, and constantly evolve. It also opens up more creative opportunities, from mainstream films to OTT platforms.
“Being part of the Hindi film industry feels like graduating to a bigger, more diverse canvas. I want to use this chance to showcase what I’ve learnt, how I’ve grown, and hopefully bring something unique to every role I take on,” she concludes.
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