Premium#PrideMonth: Sonam Kapoor, Manoj Bajpayee, Swara Bhasker and other mainstream actors who have played LGBTQIA+ characters
In Bollywood, several popular actors have embraced the opportunity to portray gay characters, helping break stereotypes and promote inclusivity
Last Updated: 06.53 PM, Jun 15, 2023
As Pride Month unfolds, it's essential to acknowledge the significant contributions of actors who have brought LGBTQIA+ stories to the forefront of cinema. Their dedication to representing diverse experiences has not only fostered empathy and understanding, but also played a pivotal role in advancing LGBTQIA+ visibility on the big screen.
In Bollywood, several popular actors have embraced the opportunity to portray gay characters, helping break stereotypes and promote inclusivity. Here’s a look at some…
Manoj Bajpayee
Manoj Bajpayee, who is known for his versatility, portrayed a gay professor in the film "Aligarh'' (2015). The movie was based on the true story of Dr. Shrinivas Ramchandra Siras, a professor who faced discrimination and legal battles due to his sexual orientation. Bajpayee's sensitive portrayal shed light on the struggles faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in a conservative society.
Ayushmann Khurrana
Ayushmann Khurrana has played gay characters in multiple movies. Notably, in "Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan'' (2020), he portrayed a gay man navigating societal prejudices and fighting for his love. Through his roles, he has contributed to the normalisation and acceptance of LGBTQIA+ relationships in Indian cinema.
Rajkummar Rao and Bhumi Pednekar
Rajkummar Rao played Shardul, a gay guy, and Bhumi Pednekar was Suman, a lesbian woman, in the 2022 hit "Badhaai Do". In the film, their characters get married to appease their families. However, when Suman's girlfriend moves in with them, their lives become more complex. The film addresses the reasons that forces LGBTQIA+ people stay in the closet and the need for acceptance.
Sonam Kapoor Ahuja
In "Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga" (2019), Sonam Kapoor Ahuja played a young woman struggling to come to terms with her lesbian identity in a conservative Indian society. Her sensitive portrayal shed light on the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and advocated for acceptance and love without judgement.
Manav Kaul
Manav Kaul plays a gay man married to a heterosexual woman in the 2022 short film "Phir Kabhi". The film is directed by Nihit Bhave who identifies as a gay man. Through the film, he wanted to talk about men in India who do not have the vocabulary to come out of the closet in India, let alone live their authentic lives.
Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta and Swara Bhasker
The 2021 short film "Sheer Qorma" revolves around a woman (Shabana Azmi) and a non-binary person (played by Divya Dutta and Swara Bhaskar) who are in love with each other. The film won Best Short Film Audience Award at the Frameline Film Festival and also qualified for the British Academy Film Awards 2021.
Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das
Shabana Azmi and Nandita Das played Sita and Radha, young Indian women whose husbands choose celibacy or mistresses over their wives, in the 1996 film "Fire". Their characters form an intimate, passionate relationship amid a close-minded society.