From receiving flak for replacing Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to husband Ram Kapoor’s ozempic controversy; Gautami Kapoor’s candid revelations

From replacing Smriti Irani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to navigating her husband Ram Kapoor’s Ozempic controversy, actress Gautami Kapoor opens up like never before. In a chat with Hauterrfly, she shared moments from her life—personal, professional, and parenting—with refreshing candour. Touching on marriage, divorce, work-life balance, and unconventional support systems, Gautami’s revelations highlight her strength, humour, and forward-thinking spirit.

“When Ekta Kapoor called me, I was like, ‘Am I hearing right?’” said Gautami. Replacing Smriti Irani as Tulsi was no easy task. “People were angry—it was iconic. Smriti had played Tulsi for seven years.” Despite having a one-year-old child, Ekta assured her flexibility. “It was supposed to be a month’s work. It lasted a year.” She added, “My first day, I was trembling. But then, there was no looking back.”

Gautami shared how Ekta Kapoor ensured the transition was smooth. “I worked only four to five hours a day,” she said. With a young child at home, this arrangement helped her balance motherhood and work. “It started as a small commitment, but stretched to a year.” She never spoke to Smriti about the change. “Ekta just said, ‘Do your job.’” Her first shot left her shaking, but she soon found her footing.

Recalling a beauty pageant in the '90s, Gautami revealed the bold swimsuit round surprised her conservative family. “My parents were okay with it, but someone informed my daadi.” Her grandmother’s reaction shocked her: “She said, ‘Very good, she has a good body. Are you jealous?’” Gautami felt empowered. “That support meant everything. She inspired me more than anyone.” It was a defining moment that shaped her confidence early on.

“I was just 22-23,” said Gautami, reflecting on her first marriage. “Back then, women didn’t have much say.” The marriage ended quickly and peacefully. “There was no problem—we both knew it was the right decision.” She emphasized that people move on and find peace. “Everybody’s happy now, and that’s what really matters.” Her honest take on early marriage and graceful separation showcases maturity and emotional clarity.

Coming from a simple, conservative family, Gautami expected resistance. “But my parents stood by me,” she said. “They may have agreed or disagreed internally, but to me, they showed support—and that was enough.” She stressed how only those in the marriage truly understand what went wrong. “Giving opinions is easy, but living that life is different,” she said. That quiet strength from her family gave her the courage to move forward.

“Ram and I were just friends for two years,” Gautami laughed. “He used to tell me about all his girlfriends, and I’d tell my mom!” When she finally told her mother she wanted to marry Ram, her mom said, “No!” Ram was shocked. “He asked, ‘Why did you tell her everything?’ I said, ‘She’s my best friend.’” The openness laid the foundation of a fun, honest, and trusting relationship.

Gautami always wanted a hands-on partner, inspired by her father’s support to her mother. “Ram isn’t like my dad, he’s more rugged,” she said. “But he can survive anything—boarding school toughened him.” Marrying into an affluent family, she still expected equality. “He’s an equal partner at home. That mattered most to me.” Despite their different backgrounds, Ram adapted easily, sharing responsibilities and never letting stardom affect their bond.

Speaking about Ram Kapoor’s dramatic weight loss and the Ozempic buzz, Gautami shared, “It was a tough year. We stopped socializing and ordering food.” She described the process as extreme. “He did 24-hour fasts, even 48 hours. It wasn’t just his journey—it affected all of us.” Despite controversy, she applauded his determination. “He was clear—no shortcuts. It was about discipline, not just weight loss.” Their entire family supported his decision with full commitment.

I am very relaxed as lots is happening a lot of work this year coming up because finally, after many, many, many years. I think the audience will get to see me in three projects totally different from one another and independent of Ram Kapoor’s image.