In a recent interview on Zabardast with Wasi Shah, Yashma Gill opened up about the personal stories behind her on-screen roles, shedding light on her life beyond the camera.
The discussion offered insights into her upbringing, her fearless approach to overcoming challenges, and her strong views on the types of stories she believes should and shouldn’t be portrayed on television.
Yashma’s story begins with her distinctive family background. Instead of one mother, she grew up with two, a result of her father’s two marriages. This unique family arrangement created a large, vibrant, and occasionally complex family dynamic.
Despite the challenges, the connection between her two households remained strong, profoundly impacting Yashma’s life. She shared how both of her mothers played crucial roles in her upbringing, offering unwavering love and support. Reflecting on this, she said, “I have a huge family. I have two mothers, so we’re a lot of siblings.”
Even after the passing of her elder mother two years ago, the bond with her remaining family persisted. “Towards the last few years of my elder mother’s life, my mother and her were quite close,” she added.
Yashma’s approach to fear is also notable. With a background in psychology, she understands that confronting fears directly is often the best way to overcome them. She recounted a memorable experience with cliff diving, where her initial fear led her to ask a friend for support.
Although she ultimately released his hand, she overcame her fear by allowing another friend to give her a push, showcasing her willingness to face her anxieties head-on.
In addition to personal challenges, Yashma is deeply concerned with the messages her work conveys. She recounted a pivotal moment when she was offered a role as an antagonist whose character was set to end in suicide. Yashma rejected this storyline, expressing her belief that portraying suicide could have dangerous effects on vulnerable viewers.
“I told them I don’t want to endorse suicide on television,” she explained. “There are many susceptible minds watching these dramas, and for those struggling with anxiety or depression, it can be harmful.”
Yashma’s decision not to take on the role was driven by her moral convictions. She believes in giving characters the opportunity to learn and grow, rather than ending their stories in despair.
“If a character is flawed, they should be shown learning from their mistakes and evolving. The answer is never suicide,” she asserted. “I couldn’t carry that on my conscience.”
