MUMBAI: Veteran actor Pavan Malhotra has praised actors Yami Gautam, Kartik Aaryan and Sanjay Mishra, saying their recent performances have impressed him and reminded him of the importance of constantly improving one’s craft.
Malhotra, who has spent nearly four decades in the Indian film industry, said strong performances continue to surprise and challenge actors, regardless of their experience. He believes that watching good work motivates performers to sharpen their skills and avoid becoming repetitive.
Yami Gautam’s Professionalism Impresses Malhotra
Malhotra particularly praised Yami Gautam, with whom he worked in OMG 2. Recalling his experience on the sets, he said he closely observed her working style and was impressed by her discipline and attention to detail.
According to Malhotra, Gautam maintained consistency in her performance regardless of whether she was appearing in a master shot, mid shot or close-up. He also appreciated the way she remained focused on her work while maintaining a professional relationship with people on set.
The veteran actor described Gautam as both talented and committed, highlighting her ability to maintain the same emotional and performance details across different camera setups.
Praise for Kartik Aaryan
Malhotra also spoke highly of Kartik Aaryan’s acting. His comments come at a significant time for Aaryan, who has recently received major recognition for his work.
Kartik Aaryan shared the Best Actor honour at the 72nd National Film Awards in 2026, alongside Malayalam superstar Mammootty. Yami Gautam also won the Best Actress award for Article 370, while the film received the Best Feature Film award.
Malhotra’s appreciation therefore comes amid a period of considerable recognition for the two actors.
Sanjay Mishra Also Earns Praise
Sanjay Mishra was another actor singled out by Malhotra for his performances.
Mishra has long been recognised for his ability to move between comedy, drama and emotionally demanding roles. He also received the National Film Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2026 for his work in Bhakshak.
Malhotra’s comments highlight how performances by actors from different generations can provide inspiration even to established performers.
Why Good Performances Matter
For Malhotra, acting is a craft that requires constant learning. He suggested that watching another actor deliver an exceptional performance can push performers to examine their own work and find new ways to approach their characters.
With more than four decades of experience, Malhotra has himself built a reputation for character-driven performances across Hindi, Punjabi and other Indian-language productions. His remarks therefore reflect an actor’s perspective on the value of observing and appreciating strong performances.
A Nod to Talent Across Generations
Malhotra’s praise for Gautam, Aaryan and Mishra also reflects the changing landscape of Indian cinema, where actors from different generations continue to make an impact through distinctive performances.
While Gautam and Aaryan represent a younger generation of mainstream Hindi cinema, Mishra has established himself over several decades as one of the industry’s respected character actors.
Malhotra’s comments underline a simple principle of acting: experience matters, but the willingness to learn from exceptional performances remains equally important.
