Top News

A Shift Towards Authentic LGBTQ+ Narratives

In recent times, Indian cinema and OTT platforms have made significant progress in authentically representing the LGBTQ+ community. Although there is still much work to be done, numerous actors from various generations have taken on queer roles, challenging stereotypes and societal expectations. Here’s a look at some notable actors who have made an impact by portraying LGBTQ+ characters on screen.

Emotional Complexity

Akshay Oberoi – Inside Edge Season 3

Akshay Oberoi

In the third season of Inside Edge, Akshay Oberoi's character reveals his sexuality as gay, adding depth to his storyline. As a closeted athlete in a hyper-masculine setting, Oberoi skillfully navigated the intricacies of identity and inner turmoil, delivering a performance that infused emotional richness into a series known for its intense drama.

Exploring Lavender Love

Rajkummar Rao – Badhaai Do

Rajkummar Rao

Rajkummar Rao captivated viewers with his nuanced portrayal of a gay police officer in Badhaai Do. The film delves into the concept of a lavender marriage, where a gay man and a lesbian woman marry to conform to societal norms. Rao's dedication to authentically depicting queer vulnerability was widely acclaimed, marking a significant advancement in Bollywood storytelling.

Charming Representation

Gulshan Devaiah – Badhaai Do

Gulshan Devaiah

In Badhaai Do, Gulshan Devaiah portrays a potential romantic interest for Rao's character. His brief yet impactful performance showcased charm and sincerity, emphasizing the necessity of normalized queer representation in Bollywood.

Unapologetic Confidence

Ayushmann Khurrana – Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan

Ayushmann Khurrana

Ayushmann Khurrana boldly embraced his role in Shubh Mangal Zyada Saavdhan, a romantic comedy focused on a gay couple. As Kartik, a confident and unapologetic gay man, Khurrana challenged conservative views, using his platform to elevate queer narratives and ignite crucial discussions among Indian audiences.

High-Stakes Drama

Lisa Mishra – The Royals

Lisa Mishra

Singer-turned-actress Lisa Mishra recently starred in The Royals, portraying a queer character navigating the complexities of high society and royal expectations. Her role signifies the expanding diversity of queer narratives in Indian OTT content.

Heartfelt Portrayals

Sonam Kapoor – Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga

Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor starred in Ek Ladki Ko Dekha Toh Aisa Laga, one of the first mainstream Bollywood films to feature a lesbian lead. Her portrayal of a young woman grappling with her identity in a conservative family was both gentle and impactful, helping to normalize queer identities within family-centric narratives.

Dignified Representation

Vaani Kapoor – Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui

Vaani Kapoor

In Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui, Vaani Kapoor portrayed a transgender woman with grace and sensitivity. The film addressed themes of love, acceptance, and gender identity, and her performance was praised for its authenticity, highlighting the need for trans representation by trans actors.

Timeless Elegance

Sharmila Tagore – Gulmohar

Madhuri Dixit

Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore made a remarkable return in Gulmohar, playing a queer matriarch who embraces her identity in her later years. Her subtle assertion of self, delivered with her characteristic elegance, powerfully conveyed that queer narratives are not confined to youth or rebellion.

Nuanced Storytelling

Madhuri Dixit – Maja Ma

Madhuri Dixit

Madhuri Dixit surprised audiences with her role in Maja Ma, where she plays a middle-aged woman who comes out as a lesbian. In a culture that often overlooks the sexuality of older women, Dixit’s performance added depth to her character's journey, balancing societal expectations with personal acceptance.

---