Yami Gautam Dhar seeks blessings at Patna Sahib ahead of 'Nayyi Navelli' release
Synopsis
Ahead of her family comedy-fantasy 'Nayyi Navelli' hitting screens on 16 October, Yami Gautam Dhar made a devotional stop at Patna Sahib — birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh — and revealed she was challenged to pull off six dance styles, including a Moonwalk, on her very first day of filming.
Key Takeaways
Yami Gautam Dhar visited Patna Sahib gurudwara on 3 October 2026 to seek blessings ahead of her film's release. 'Nayyi Navelli' is set to release on 16 October , timed ahead of Dussehra .
Yami performed six distinct dance styles — including Bhangra and a Moonwalk — for the track 'Bhabhi Tabaahi' on her first day of shooting.
The film is directed by Balaji Mohan , marking his Bollywood directorial debut, and produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma .
The story follows a new bride in Meerut whose idyllic image unravels when her brother-in-law suspects she is a 'daayan' (witch).
Bollywood actress Yami Gautam Dhar visited the historic Patna Sahib gurudwara on 3 October 2026 to seek divine blessings ahead of the theatrical release of her upcoming film 'Nayyi Navelli', which is scheduled to hit cinema screens on 16 October. The visit came as part of a fan-connect trip to Patna, where the actress was given a warm and energetic reception.
A Spirited Welcome in Patna
Yami arrived in the city to a vibrant welcome, with crowds greeting her to the sound of dhol beats. The actress took time at Patna Sahib — one of the most revered Sikh shrines in the country — bowing her head in gratitude and spending a quiet, reflective moment before the film's release. Patna Sahib holds deep religious significance as the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was born here in 1666. The city also bears the historical legacy of visits by Guru Nanak and Guru Tegh Bahadur.
The Wild Dance Challenge on Day One
During her Patna visit, Yami spoke candidly to fans about her first day on the sets of 'Nayyi Navelli'. She revealed that she was immediately thrown into an ambitious dance challenge for the lively track 'Bhabhi Tabaahi', which required her to perform six completely different dance styles — ranging from high-energy Bhangra steps to a full-fledged Moonwalk.
She recalled how director Balaji Mohan casually asked her to try 'whatever you're comfortable with… but just a bit of Moonwalk!', catching her off guard on her very first day. Despite the surprise, she reportedly embraced the challenge with enthusiasm.
What the Film Is About
The trailer, unveiled last month, reveals that 'Nayyi Navelli' follows a new bride whose arrival transforms a chaotic household in Meerut into a picture of domestic harmony — until her brother-in-law grows convinced that the seemingly perfect sister-in-law is secretly a 'daayan' (witch). The film is billed as a blend of family comedy and fantasy adventure.
The Team Behind the Film
'Nayyi Navelli' marks the Bollywood directorial debut of Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan. The screenplay has been written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma, while the film is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma. The film is set to release on 16 October, timed ahead of Dussehra, placing it squarely in the festive box-office window.
Point of View
And the Patna visit signals a deliberate grassroots outreach beyond the usual multiplexes. What is more interesting is the film's profile — a Tamil director making his Hindi debut under Aanand L Rai, with a story rooted in small-town Meerut and a comedic supernatural premise. If the formula works, it could confirm a durable audience appetite for mid-budget, family-centred fantasy comedies in a market increasingly polarised between blockbuster spectacle and niche OTT content.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'Nayyi Navelli' releasing in cinemas?
'Nayyi Navelli' is set to release on 16 October 2026, ahead of Dussehra. The festive release window positions the film for a family audience during one of Bollywood's busiest box-office periods.
Why did Yami Gautam Dhar visit Patna Sahib gurudwara?
Yami Gautam Dhar visited Patna Sahib to seek divine blessings for the upcoming release of her film 'Nayyi Navelli'. She was also in Patna to connect with fans and celebrate the positive response to the film's promotional material.
What dance challenge did Yami face on the first day of filming?
On her first day on set, Yami was asked by director Balaji Mohan to perform six completely different dance styles for the track 'Bhabhi Tabaahi', including energetic Bhangra and a full Moonwalk. She described being surprised by the request but said she thoroughly enjoyed the challenge.
Who is directing 'Nayyi Navelli' and what is the film about?
'Nayyi Navelli' is directed by Tamil filmmaker Balaji Mohan in his Bollywood directorial debut. The film is a family comedy-fantasy about a new bride in Meerut whose brother-in-law becomes convinced she is a 'daayan' (witch), despite her seemingly perfect nature.
Who has produced 'Nayyi Navelli'?
The film is produced by Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma, with the screenplay written by Himanshu Sharma and Divy Nidhi Sharma.
